Portable computing device having an RF based architecture

ABSTRACT

A portable computing device includes a radio frequency (RF) wired link, a data wired link, a core module, a plurality of multi-mode RF units, and a plurality of data modules. The core module is operable to communicate control information with one or more of the plurality of multi-mode RF units in a first frequency band via the RF wired link. The core module is further operable to communicate data of a wireless communication with one or more of the plurality of multi-mode RF units in a second frequency band via the RF wired link. The core module is further operable to communicate clock information to the plurality of multi-mode RF units in a third frequency band via the RF wired link.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENTS

This patent application is claiming priority under 35 USC §119(e) to aprovisionally filed patent application entitled RF BASED PORTABLECOMPUTING ARCHITECTURE, having a provisional filing date of Oct. 25,2011, and a provisional Ser. No. 61/551,045, which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety; and

is claiming priority under 35 USC §120 as a continuation-in-part patentapplication of patent application entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR 60 GHZDISTRIBUTED COMMUNICATION UTILIZING A MESH NETWORK OF REPEATERS, havinga filing date of Sep. 30, 2010, and a Ser. No. 12/895,547, now issued asU.S. Pat. No. 8,913,951, on Dec. 16, 2014, which is incorporated hereinby reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to communication systems and computersand more particularly to portable computing devices.

2. Description of Related Art

Portable computing devices include laptop computers, tablet computers,cellular telephones, video gaming devices, audio/video recording andplayback devices, etc. In general, a portable computing device includesa central processing unit (CPU), an operating system, one or more userinputs (e.g., keyboard, mouse, microphone), one or more user output(e.g., display, speakers), memory, a network card (e.g., Ethernet and/orwireless local area network), and a battery.

In particular, a tablet computer includes a flat touch screen, a CPU, anoperating system, a WLAN transceiver, a cellular data transceiver, aBluetooth transceiver, a global positioning satellite (GPS) receiver,memory (e.g., solid state memory), connectors, and a rechargeablebattery (e.g., lithium polymer). The flat touch screen includescapacitive touch screen technology to provide a virtual keyboard, apassive stylus pen (e.g., one touch selection based on X-Y coordinatesof the touch), two-dimensional touch commands (e.g., sensing touch ofthe screen by one or more fingers and detecting movement in the X-Ydimensions of the one or more fingers), and provides the display.

The connectors connect the tablet computer to a power source to rechargethe battery, to exchange data (e.g., audio files, video files, etc.)with another computing device (e.g., a personal computer (PC)), and/orto its update software. In addition or in the alternative, the WLANtransceiver or the data cellular transceiver may be used to update thetablet computer's software. Further, the Bluetooth transceiver may beused to exchange data with another computing device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a portablecomputing device in a communication environment in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a portablecomputing device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example of frequency band allocation within aportable computing device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocationwithin a portable computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocationwithin a portable computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 6 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocationwithin a portable computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocationwithin a portable computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocationwithin a portable computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 9 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocationwithin a portable computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocationwithin a portable computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 11 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocationwithin a portable computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocationwithin a portable computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 13 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocationwithin a portable computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocationwithin a portable computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 15 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocationwithin a portable computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 16 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocationwithin a portable computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 17 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocationwithin a portable computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 18 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocationwithin a portable computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 18A is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocationwithin a portable computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 18B is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocationwithin a portable computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a portion of aportable computing device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a portionof a portable computing device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a portionof a portable computing device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a portionof a portable computing device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a portionof a portable computing device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 23A is a logic diagram of an embodiment of a method of operation ofa portable computing device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a portionof a portable computing device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a basebandspecific protocol module in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of core module inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of switch matrixin accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 27A is a logic diagram of an embodiment of a method of allocatingresources within a portable computing device in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 28 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of switch matrixand up conversion module in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 29 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of switch matrixand down conversion module in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 30 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of switchmatrix and up conversion module in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 31 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of switch matrixand down conversion module in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 31A is a logic diagram of another embodiment of a method ofallocating resources within a portable computing device in accordancewith the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of coremodule in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of switch matrixand down conversion module in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of switchmatrix and up conversion module in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 35 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of multi-mode RFunit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 35A is a logic diagram of an embodiment of a method of allocatingresources within an MM RF unit of a portable computing device inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 35B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of amulti-mode RF unit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a diagram of an example of an up frequency shift from an RFlink of a portable computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 37 is a diagram of an example of a down frequency shift from an RFlink of a portable computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 38 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an outboundfrequency shift module in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 39 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of anoutbound frequency shift module in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 40 is a diagram of another example of an up frequency shift from anRF link of a portable computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 41 is a diagram of another example of a down frequency shift froman RF link of a portable computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 42 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of amulti-mode RF unit in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 43 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a portablecomputing device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 43A is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a portionof a portable computing device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 43B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a portionof a portable computing device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a transmit pathgeneric baseband core module in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 45 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a transmit pathRF specific protocol unit within an MM RF unit in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 46 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a receive pathRF specific protocol unit within an MM RF unit in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 47 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a receive pathgeneric baseband core module in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 48 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a transmitpath generic baseband core module in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 49 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a transmitpath RF specific protocol unit within an MM RF unit in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 50 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a receive pathRF specific protocol unit within an MM RF unit in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 51 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a receive pathgeneric baseband core module in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 52 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a portablecomputing device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 53 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a basebandspecific protocol unit and a specific RF front-end in accordance withthe present invention;

FIG. 54 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a portablecomputing device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 54A is a logic diagram of an embodiment of a method of allocatingresources within an MM RF unit of a portable computing device inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 55 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of powerdistribution within a portable computing device in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 56 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powerdistribution within a portable computing device in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 57 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powerdistribution within a portable computing device in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 58 is a logic diagram of an embodiment of a method of managingpower within a portable computing device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 59 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powerdistribution within a portable computing device in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 60 is a logic diagram of an embodiment of another method ofmanaging power within a portable computing device in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 61 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powerdistribution within a portable computing device in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 62 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of powerdistribution and control data communication within a portable computingdevice in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 63 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powerdistribution and control data communication within a portable computingdevice in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 64 is a diagram of an example of a primary winding waveform of apower distribution and control data communication within a portablecomputing device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 65 is a diagram of an example of encoding a primary windingwaveform with respect to a pulse width modulation control signal of apower supply within a portable computing device in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 66 is a diagram of another example of encoding a primary windingwaveform with respect to a pulse width modulation control signal of apower supply within a portable computing device in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 67 is a diagram of another example of encoding a primary windingwaveform with respect to a pulse width modulation control signal of apower supply within a portable computing device in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 68 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powerdistribution and control data communication within a portable computingdevice in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 69 is a diagram of another example of encoding a primary windingwaveform with respect to a pulse width modulation control signal of apower supply within a portable computing device in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 70 is a diagram of another example of encoding a primary windingwaveform with respect to a pulse width modulation control signal of apower supply within a portable computing device in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 71 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powerdistribution and control data communication within a MM RF unit inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 72 is a diagram of an example of a rectified secondary windingwaveform of a power distribution and control data communication within aportable computing device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 73 is a diagram of an example of decoding a rectified secondarywinding waveform within an MM RF unit in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 74 is a diagram of another example of decoding a rectifiedsecondary winding waveform within an MM RF unit in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 75 is a diagram of another example of decoding a rectifiedsecondary winding waveform within an MM RF unit in accordance with thepresent invention;

FIG. 76 is a diagram of another example of decoding a rectifiedsecondary winding waveform within an MM RF unit in accordance with thepresent invention; and

FIG. 77 is a diagram of another example of decoding a rectifiedsecondary winding waveform within an MM RF unit in accordance with thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a portablecomputing device 10 in a communication environment. The portablecomputing device 10 (e.g., a laptop computer, a tablet computer, acellular telephone, a video gaming device, an audio/video recording andplayback device, etc.) may communicate concurrently, or separately, withone or more of a cellular telephone 12, a wireless headset 14, awireless power transmitter 16, a wireless communication device 18 (e.g.,a tablet computer, a keyboard, a projector, a home appliance, a printer,a personal computer, a laptop computer, etc.), a cellular network 20(voice and/or data), a satellite network 22 (e.g., GPS, satellite radio,satellite television, satellite telephone, etc.), a WLAN access point,24 and/or entertainment equipment 26.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a portablecomputing device that includes a core module 30, a radio frequency (RF)link 32, a data link 34, a plurality of multi-mode RF units 36-42, apower management module 52, one or more user I/O interfaces 44 (e.g.,one or more of a flat screen touch panel, a microphone, speakers, etc.),one or more co-processors 46, memory 48 (e.g., cache memory, mainmemory, solid state memory, etc.), and more one or more peripheraldevice interfaces 50 (e.g., USB, headset jack, etc). The core module 30includes one or more of an RF link interfaces 62, a data link interface56, a device processing module 54, a wireless communication processingmodule 60, and a time and/or application management module 58. Each ofthe multimode RF units 36-42 includes an RF link interface 64-70 and oneor more radio transceivers, or portions thereof. The one or moretransceivers, or portions thereof, may support one or more wirelesscommunication standards such as Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11 (WLAN), 60 GHz,global system for mobile communications (GSM), code division multipleaccess (CDMA), local multi-point distribution systems (LMDS),multi-channel-multi-point distribution systems (MMDS), radio frequencyidentification (RFID), Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE),General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), WCDMA, LTE (Long Term Evolution),WiMAX (worldwide interoperability for microwave access), extensionsthereof, and/or variations thereof.

The data link 34 may include one or more of a twisted-pair, coaxialcable, a bus structure, fiber optics, etc. For example, if the data linkincludes one or more twisted pairs, communication via the twistedpair(s) would be in accordance with one or more twisted pair signalingprotocols (e.g., Cat 5 (10 Base-TX & 100 Base-T), Cat 5e (10 Base-TX &100 Base-T), Cat 6a (10 GBase-T), EIA-485, secure transfer protocol,I.430, Controller Area Network, Sony/Philips Digital InterconnectFormat, etc.). As another example, if the data link includes one or morebus structures (e.g., an address bus, a control bus, and/or a data bus),communication via the bus structure would be in accordance with one ormore computer type bus protocols (e.g., universal serial bus, peripheralcomponent interconnect (PCI), PCI express, FireWire, S.-100 bus, Unibus,VAXBI, MBus, STD Bus, SMBUS, Q-Bus, ISA, Zorro, CAMAC, FASTBUS, LPC,Precision Bus, EISA, VME, VIX, NuBus, TURBOchannel, MCA, SBus, VLB, PXI,GSC bus, CoreConnect, InifiBand, UPA, PCI-X, AGP, QuickPath,HyperTransport, PC Card, ExpressCard, ST-506, ESDI, SMD, Parallel ATA,DMA, SSA, HIPPI, MSC, Serial ATA, SCSI, SCSI parallel, SCSI Serial,Fibre channel, iSCSI, ATAoE, MIDI, MultiBus, RS-232, DMX512-A, IEEE-488,EIA/RS-422, IEEE-1284, UNI/O, ACCESS.bus, 1-Wire, I²C, SPI, etc.).

Each of the devices 44-50 coupled to the data link includes a data linkinterface. The data link interface performs the corresponding protocolconversion for accessing the data link. Note that each of the devicescoupled to the data link may include the same data link interfaces ordifferent data link interfaces. For example, the memory may include adifferent type of data link interface than a user input or outputdevice.

The RF link 32 may include one or more of a coaxial cable, a fiberoptics cable, a wireless channel, a waveguide, etc. Each device thatcouples to the RF link includes an RF link interface that performs oneor more RF link protocol conversions as disclosed herein.

The device processing module 54 includes one more processing modules andperforms a variety of functions. For example, the device processingmodule performs various user applications and system level applicationsof the portable computing device. In particular, the data processingmodule performs user applications such as a word processing application,a spreadsheet application, a contacts and calendar application, aplurality of games, one more web browsers, e-mail, a system set-upapplication, a file sharing application, etc. In performing these userapplications, the data processing module may shift one or moresub-functions to one or more of the coprocessors for execution therein.As another particular, example, the data processing module also performssystem level applications such as the operating system.

The time &/or application management 58 includes one more processingmodules and performs a variety of functions to manage the resources ofthe portable computing device (e.g., the device processing module, thewireless communication processing module, the RF link, and the MM RFunits). For example, the time and/or application management modulemonitors the various applications being executed and the correspondingneeds for wireless communications. Based on these factors, the timeand/or application management module balances the resources of theportable communication device with the current active applications andpower consumption to optimize performance.

The wireless communication processing module 60 includes one moreprocessing modules and performs a variety of communication relatedfunctions. For example, when the device processing module is performingan application that requires a wireless communication, the wirelesscommunication processing module processes the corresponding data inaccordance with one or more communication protocols (e.g., Bluetooth,IEEE 802.11, cellular data, cellular voice, 60 GHz, etc.). The wirelesscommunication processing module places the process communication data onthe RF link for subsequent transmission by one or more of the multimodeRF units.

For incoming communication data, one or more of the multimode RF unitsreceives a wireless signal and converts it into an inbound signal inaccordance with the RF link protocol. The wireless communicationprocessing module receives the inbound signal from the RF link andperforms the corresponding receive a portion of the appropriatecommunication protocol to extract the inbound data. Various embodimentsand examples of the wireless communication processing module, the RFlink, and the multimode RF units are described in one or more of theremaining figures.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example of frequency band allocation of the RFlink within a portable computing device. In this example, the frequencyspectrum of the RF link is divided into three frequency bands: one foraddress and/or control information 80, a second for data 82, and a thirdfor clock signals 84. In addition, power may be communicated via the RFlink to the multimode RF units at DC 88 or at a low AC frequency 90(e.g., 60 Hz). Each of the frequency bands may be divided into aplurality of channels and may utilize one or more of a variety ofmultiplexing access protocols (e.g., time division multiple access,frequency division multiple access, code division multiple access(CDMA), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, etc.) to carry data.

In this example, a low-frequency band (e.g., hundreds of kilohertz tohundreds of megahertz) is used for conveying address and/or controlinformation. A mid frequency band (e.g., hundreds of megahertz to tensof gigahertz) is used for conveying data (e.g., voice, text, audiofiles, video files, graphics, etc.). A high-frequency band (e.g., tengigahertz to hundreds of gigahertz) is used to carry a clock tone or amodulated clock signal. As a specific example, when the wirelesscommunication processing module and one or more of the multimode RFunits have control and/or address information to exchange, they do sovia the frequency band allocated to such communications. As anotherspecific example, when the wireless communication processing module andone or more of the multimode RF units have data to exchange, they do sovia the frequency band allocated to a data communications. As yetanother specific example, the wireless communication processing modulegenerates a clock tone and/or a modulated clock signal and transmits itvia the RF link to the multimode RF units using the frequency bandallocated to the clock. Each of the multimode RF units utilizes theclock tone or modulated clock signal to generate one or more clocks foruse therein.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocation ofthe RF link within a portable computing device. In this example, thefrequency spectrum of the RF link is divided into three frequency bands:one for address and/or control information 80, a second for data 82, anda third for clock signals 86. In addition, power 88 may be communicatedvia the RF link to the multimode RF units at DC. In this example, thecontrol information frequency band utilizes CDMA to support multipleconcurrent, or overlapping, control information communications. Notethat each MM RF unit may have its own code for accessing the controlinformation frequency band. In the alternative, a code may be assignedto an MM RF unit when it is involved in a control informationcommunication.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocation ofthe RF link within a portable computing device. In this example, thefrequency spectrum of the RF link is divided into three frequency bands:one for address and/or control information 80, a second for data 82, anda third for clock signals 86. In addition, power may be communicated viathe RF link to the multimode RF units at DC. In this example, the datafrequency band utilizes CDMA to support multiple concurrent, oroverlapping, data communications. Note that each MM RF unit may have itsown code for accessing the control information frequency band. In thealternative, a code may be assigned to an MM RF unit when it is involvedin a control information communication.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocation ofthe RF link within a portable computing device. In this example, each ofthe control information frequency band 80 and data frequency band 82 aredivided into a plurality of channels. Each channel within each frequencyband is assigned to a particular multimode RF unit. For example,multimode RF unit number one is allocated a first channel (or multiplechannels) within the control information frequency band and is alsoallocated one or more channels within the data frequency band.

A channel within a given frequency band may be assigned for transmittingdata from the core module to the assigned multimode RF unit; it may beassigned for transmitting data from the assigned multimode RF unit tothe core module; or it may be shared for transceiving data between thecore module and the assign multimode RF unit. Note that the allocationof a channel to a particular multi-mode RF unit may be a staticallocation and/or a dynamic allocation. For example, a multi-mode RFunit may have a static allocation of one or more channels within thecontrol information frequency band and may be dynamically allocated oneor more channels within the data frequency band. In the latter case, amulti-mode RF unit may be allocated one or more channels for eachcommunication of data that it is supporting.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocation ofthe RF link within a portable computing device. In this example, each ofthe control information frequency band 80 and data frequency band 82 aredivided into a plurality of channels. Each channel within each frequencyband is assigned to a particular multimode RF unit for transmitting orreceiving. For example, multimode RF unit number one is allocated atransmit channel (or multiple channels) and a receive channel(s) withinthe control information frequency band and is also allocated one or moretransmit channels and one or more receive channels within the datafrequency band.

The allocation of a channel to a particular multi-mode RF unit may be astatic allocation and/or a dynamic allocation. For example, a multi-modeRF unit may have a static allocation of one or more transmit and receivechannels within the control information frequency band and may bedynamically allocated one or more transmit and receive channels withinthe data frequency band. In the latter case, a multi-mode RF unit may beallocated one or more transmit and receive channels for eachcommunication of data that it is supporting.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocation ofthe RF link within a portable computing device. In this example, each ofthe control information frequency band 80 and data frequency band 82 aredivided into a plurality of channels. Each channel within each frequencyband is assigned to a particular communication between the core moduleand one or more multimode RF units. For example, a first communicationis allocated a first channel (or multiple channels) within the controlinformation frequency band and is also allocated one or more channelswithin the data frequency band.

A channel within a given frequency band may be assigned for transmittingdata from the core module to the one or more multimode RF units; it maybe assigned for transmitting data from the one or more multimode RFunits to the core module; or it may be shared for transceiving databetween the core module and the one or more multimode RF units.Allocation of a channel to a particular communication may be a staticallocation and/or a dynamic allocation. For example, a particular typeof communication (e.g., WLAN access, cellular voice, cellular data,Bluetooth, 60 GHz) may have a static allocation of one or more channelswithin the control information frequency band and may be dynamicallyallocated one or more channels within the data frequency band. In thelatter case, a communication may be allocated one or more channels foreach MM RF unit that is supporting the communication.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocation ofthe RF link within a portable computing device. In this example, each ofthe control information frequency band 80 and data frequency band 82 aredivided into a plurality of channels. Each channel within each frequencyband is assigned to a particular communication for transmitting orreceiving. For example, a first communication is allocated a transmitchannel (or multiple channels) and a receive channel(s) within thecontrol information frequency band and is also allocated one or moretransmit channels and one or more receive channels within the datafrequency band.

The allocation of a channel to a particular communication may be astatic allocation and/or a dynamic allocation. For example, a particulartype of communication may have a static allocation of one or moretransmit and receive channels within the control information frequencyband and may be dynamically allocated one or more transmit and receivechannels within the data frequency band. In the latter case, acommunication may be allocated one or more transmit and receive channelsfor each MM RF unit that is supporting the communication.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocation ofthe RF link within a portable computing device. In this example, thecontrol information frequency band 80 and the data frequency band 82 areeach time shared. For instance, a multimode RF unit is granted access toa frequency band for a given duration (e.g., a timeslot). In a specificexample, each multimode RF unit is granted an equal number of timeslotsand each time slot is of substantially the same duration. In anotherspecific embodiment, the timeslot durations may be of different lengthsand each multimode RF unit may have a different number of timeslotallocated to it. In yet another example, the timeslot duration in thecontrol frequency band may be of a different duration than a timeslotwithin the data frequency band. As yet another specific example, theallocation of time slots may be dynamically allocated to supportcommunications between an MM RF unit and the core module.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocation ofthe RF link within a portable computing device. In this example, thedata frequency band 82 is divided into a plurality of channels (e.g.,ch. 1 through ch. n). One or more of the multimode RF units shares eachchannel. For example, RF unit #1 and RF unit #2 share channel one. Asanother example, RF units #1 and #3 share the second channel.Accordingly, the data frequency band is frequency multiplexed and timemultiplex to support the various data communications between themultimode RF units and the core module.

FIG. 12 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocation ofthe RF link within a portable computing device. In this example, thecontrol information frequency band 80 and the data frequency band 82 areeach time shared. For instance, a communication is allocated to afrequency band for a given duration (e.g., a timeslot). In a specificexample, each communication (active or idle) is granted an equal numberof timeslots and each time slot is of substantially the same duration.In another specific embodiment, the timeslot durations may be ofdifferent lengths and each communication may have a different number oftimeslot allocated to it. In yet another example, the timeslot durationin the control frequency band may be of a different duration than atimeslot within the data frequency band. As yet another specificexample, the allocation of time slots may be dynamically allocated tosupport the communications between an MM RF unit and the core module.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocation ofthe RF link within a portable computing device. In this example, thedata frequency band 82 is divided into a plurality of channels (e.g.,ch. 1 through ch. n). One or more of the communications share eachchannel. For example, communications #1 and #2 share channel one. Asanother example, communications #1 and #3 share the second channel.Accordingly, the data frequency band is frequency multiplexed and timemultiplex to support the various data communications between themultimode RF units and the core module. Note that the control frequencyband 80 may also be frequency shared.

FIG. 14 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocation ofthe RF link within a portable computing device. In this example, thedata frequency band 82 is divided into a plurality of channels. Eachchannel may support a different type of data modulation for transceivingdata between the core module and one or more of the MM RF units. Forexample, one channel may support an OFDM (orthogonal frequency divisionmultiplexing) data modulation scheme, QAM (quadrature amplitudemodulation), FSK (frequency shift keying), GMSK (Gaussian minimum shiftkeying), etc. The use of a particular data modulation scheme over aparticular channel may be a static determination (e.g., pre-assigned) ora dynamic allocation (e.g., selected for a given communication).

FIG. 15 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocation ofthe RF link within a portable computing device. In this example, thecontrol frequency band (e.g. the low frequency band) 82 is time sharedbetween transmitting and receiving. Accordingly, the frequency band hasone or more repeating transmit time slots and one or more repeatingreceive time slots. Each time slot may be allocated to a particular MMRF unit or to a particular communication. Alternatively, the MM RF unitsshare the time slot using a collision avoidance technique or othershared channel access protocol.

The data frequency band 82 is divided into two channels: one fortransmitting (e.g., TX—the core module transmits to an MM RF unit) andanother for receiving (e.g., RX—the core module receives from an MM RFunit). Each channel is divided into time slots. Each time slot of eachof the RX and TX channels may be allocated to a particular MM RF unit orto a particular communication. Alternatively, the MM RF units share thetime slots of each of the RX and TX channels using a collision avoidancetechnique or other shared channel access protocol.

FIG. 16 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocation ofthe RF link within a portable computing device. In this example, thedata frequency band 82 is divided into a plurality of channels. Some ofthe channels correspond to a particular carrier frequency of aparticular communication protocol. For example, one channel is centeredat 1.8 GHz and has a channel width of 10-100 MHz for cellular typecommunications. As another example, another channel is centered at 2.4GHz and has a channel width of 10-100 MHz for WLAN and/or Bluetooth typecommunications. As yet another example, a channel is centered at 5 GHzand has a channel width of 10-100 MHz for WLAN type communications.

As a further example, a channel may be centered at 4 GHz (or othernon-standard use frequency) for other types of communications. Forinstance, the generic channel may be used to support a 60 GHzcommunication. In particular, the wireless communication processingmodule converts outbound data into an outbound symbol stream that itmodulates to 4 GHz. The modulated outbound symbol stream is transmittedto an MM RF unit via the RF link. The MM RF unit up-converts themodulated outbound symbol stream to produce the desired 60 GHz transmitsignal.

FIG. 17 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocation ofthe RF link within a portable computing device. In this example, thedata frequency band 82 is divided into a plurality of channels. Some ofthe channels correspond to a particular carrier frequency of aparticular communication protocol. For example, one channel is centeredat 1.8 GHz and has a channel width of 10-100 MHz for cellular typecommunications. As another example, another channel is centered at 2.4GHz and has a channel width of 10-100 MHz for WLAN and/or Bluetooth typecommunications. As yet another example, a channel is centered at 5 GHzand has a channel width of 10-100 MHz for WLAN type communications. Thechannel centered at 4 GHz is used to support carrier frequencyconversion for a given protocol (e.g., 60 GHz).

In this example, the data frequency band 82 further includes twochannels at generic frequencies. The generic channels are assigned acenter frequency within the frequency band based on available spectrum.For instance, the generic channels may be at 3 GHz and 3.5 GHz. Ageneric channel may be used in a similar fashion as the 4 GHz channel(e.g., carrier frequency conversion). Note that more or less genericchannels may be allocated within the data frequency band.

FIG. 18 is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocation ofthe RF link within a portable computing device. In this example, thefrequency spectrum of the RF link is divided into four sections: a firstfor a frequency band of address and/or control information 80, a secondfor wireless power 94, a third for a frequency band of data 82, and afourth for clock signals 84. In addition, power may be communicated viathe RF link to the multimode RF units at DC. The control frequency band,the data frequency band, and the clock frequency band (or clock tone)may be divided into channels as previously discussed.

The wireless power frequency section 94 may include a wireless powertone 92 or a wireless power frequency band 94. If the wireless powersection includes a wireless power tone 92, the core module includes awireless power receiver tuned to the wireless power tone. An externalwireless power transmitter transmits a wireless power signal at afrequency corresponding to the wireless power tone, which the wirelesspower receiver converts into a supply voltage. The core module conveysthe power supply voltage, or a supply voltage derived there from, to themultimode RF units via the RF link.

If the wireless power section includes a wireless power frequency band92, the frequency band may be divided into a plurality of channels. Inthis instance, one of the channels is for a wireless power receiverwithin the core module to receive a wireless power signal from an extrawireless power transmitter. Remaining channels are used to convey awireless power signal from the core module, via a wireless powertransmitter therein, to wireless power receivers within each of themultimode RF units. One or more embodiments and/or examples of utilizingwireless power will be described in one or more of the subsequentfigures.

FIG. 18A is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocation ofthe RF link within a portable computing device. In this example, thefrequency spectrum of the RF link is divided into five sections: a firstfor a frequency band of address and/or control information 80, a secondfor wireless power 94, a third for wireless power conversion 98, afourth for a frequency band of data 82, and a fifth for clock signals84. The control frequency band, the data frequency band, the wirelesspower section, and the clock frequency band (or clock tone 86) may beutilized as previously discussed.

The wireless power conversion section may include a wireless powerconversion tone 96 or a wireless power conversion frequency band 98. Ifthe wireless power conversion section includes a wireless powerconversion tone 96, the core module includes a DC-DC converter togenerate one or more supply voltages from the wireless power receiver(or battery) and also to generate a wireless power conversion signal ata frequency corresponding to the wireless power conversion tone. Forexample, the wireless power conversion signal corresponds to a voltageinduced in a secondary winding of a transformer within the DC-DCconverter. The core module transmits the power conversion and signal tothe multi-mode RF units via the RF link.

If the wireless power conversion section includes a wireless powerconversion frequency band, the core module, via one or more DC-DCconverters, generates a plurality of wireless power conversion signalsat different frequencies. Each of the wireless power conversion signalsmay correspond to a different voltage level or may be individuallycreated for each of the multimode RF units. The core module transmitsthe plurality of wireless power conversion signals within the wirelesspower conversion frequency band to the multimode RF units. One or moreembodiments and/or examples of wireless power conversion will bedescribed with reference to one or more of the subsequent figures.

FIG. 18B is a diagram of another example of frequency band allocation ofthe RF link within a portable computing device. In this example, thefrequency spectrum of the RF link is divided into four sections: a firstfor a frequency band of address and/or control information 80, a secondfor wireless power conversion 98, a third for a frequency band of data82, and a fourth for clock signals 84. Each of these sections may beutilized as previously discussed.

FIG. 19 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a portion of aportable computing device that includes the core module 30, the RF link,and one of the multimode RF units 36-42. The core module 30 includes apower, time, and configuration management module 58 (e.g., the powermanagement module and the time and/or application management module ofFIG. 2), a control information and data processing module 54 (e.g., thedevice processing module of FIG. 2), and an RF link interface 62. Themulti-mode RF unit includes an RF link interface. The MM RF unit 36-42includes an RF link interface 64-68.

In general, the power, time, and configuration management module 58(i.e., management module) manages the applications being run on theportable computing device, the circuitry within the core module (e.g.,of the control info and data processing module) and in one or more ofthe multimode RF units to support the applications, power consumption ofthe circuitry, sharing of the circuitry, and/or configuration of thecircuitry. In this manner, power consumption is reduced, die size ofcorresponding integrated circuits is reduced, and performance isenhanced.

The management module 58 may configure and/or enable various circuitswithin the core module and/or one or more of the multi-mode modulesutilizing hardware switches, software, and/or reprogrammable firmware.Accordingly, the management module may turn off circuits that are notneeded at a particular time to reduce their power consumption. Inaddition, the management module determines which circuits to enable forthe various applications being run and at what levels (e.g., supplyvoltage, clock rate, data rate, etc.). One more embodiments and/orexamples of managing resources of the portable computing device will bediscussed in one or more of the subsequent figures.

FIG. 20 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a portionof a portable computing device that includes a high-level implementationof the core module 30 and one of the multimode RF units 36-42. The coremodule 30 includes a power source 106 (e.g., DC or 60 Hz power), alow-frequency band processing module 104 (e.g., control information), amid-frequency band processing module 102 (e.g., data), a summing module108, and a clock source 100 (e.g., the crystal oscillator, a phaselocked loop, a frequency synthesizer, etc.). The multi-mode RF unit36-42 includes a low pass filter 128, a low-frequency bandpass filter130, a mid-frequency bandpass filter 132, a high frequency bandpassfilter 134, a power supply 112, a control information processor 116, adata processor 124, and a clock processor 120.

In an example of operation of the core module, the power source 106generates one or more power supply voltages that are provided to thesumming module 108. The low-frequency processing module 104, which maybe part of the device processing module and/or of the wirelesscommunication processing module of FIG. 2 and/or a separate processingmodule, generates control information regarding the interoperation ofthe core module and one or more multimode RF units. The controlinformation may include, but is not limited to, allocation of access tothe RF link information, an indication of a type of wirelesscommunication, activation of one or more transceivers within amulti-mode RF unit, an indication of a wireless communications standardbeing supported, data processing information, filter parameter settings(e.g., bandwidth, gain, corner frequencies, attenuation rate, etc.) forthe various filters within an multimode RF unit, and power savinginformation. The low frequency processing module provides the controlinformation to the summing module.

The mid-frequency processing module 102, which may be part of thewireless communication processing module of FIG. 2 and/or a separateprocessing module, processes data regarding one or more applicationsbeing run on the portable computing device that is to be transmitted orreceived via a wireless communication. The mid-frequency processingmodule provides the processed data to the summing module.

The clock source 100 generates a clock signal that is provided to thesumming module 108. The summing module, which may be an adder, acombiner, a multiplexor, a switching network, a common node, etc.,combines the one or more power supply voltages, the control information,the data, and the clock signal to produce a composite signal. Thesumming module transmits the composite signal onto the RF link 110,which is subsequently received by one or more of the multi-mode RFunits.

Within the multimode RF unit, the low pass filter filters 128 out theone or more power supply voltages and provide them to the power supplymodule 112. The power supply module 112, which may be a capacitor, aseries of capacitors, a DC-DC converter, and/or a linear regulator,generates one or more local supply voltages from the received powersupply voltage(s). The high-frequency bandpass filter 134 filters outthe clock signal from the composite signal and provides it to a clockprocessor 120. The clock processor 120, which may include a phase lockedloop, frequency divider, frequency multiplier, frequencies synthesizer,etc., generates one or more local clock signals from the received clocksignal.

The low frequency bandpass filter 130 filters the control informationout of the composite signal and provides it to the control informationprocessor 116. The control information processor 116 processes controlinformation to produce control information for the multimode RF unit.The mid frequency bandpass filter 132 filters the data from thecomposite signal and provides it to the data processor 124. The dataprocessor processes the data in accordance with the recovered controlinformation to generate one or more outbound RF signals, which includesthe data.

For incoming data, a multi-mode RF unit receives an inbound RF signal,which includes the data. The data processor 124 processes the inbound RFsignal in accordance with the control information to produce a processedinbound signal. The data processor 124 outputs the processed inboundsignal to the mid-frequency bandpass filter 132, which filters it andoutputs it on to the RF link. The summing module 108, which may includea splitter, a de-combiner, a demultiplexor, etc., provides the processedinbound signal to the mid-frequency processing module 102. Themid-frequency processing module 102 processes the inbound signal toproduce inbound data, which it provides to the device processing moduleand/or to another module coupled to the data link.

As a specific example, the portable computing device is executing a webbrowser application, which is running on the device processing modulewithin the core module. User inputs are received via a touchscreen, orlike input device, and are provided to the device processing module viathe corresponding user I/O interface and the data link. The dataprocessing module interprets the users inputs (e.g., a search enginerequest) to produce data (e.g., the search engine request for aparticular item using a particular search engine). The data processingmodule provides the data to the wireless communication processingmodule.

The wireless communication processing module, based on controlinformation received from the management module, processes the data inaccordance with a wireless communication protocol (e.g., WLAN, cellulardata, etc.) to produce one or more outbound signals. The outbound signalis further processed in accordance with the control information from themanagement module for transmission via the RF link to one or more of themultimode RF units. For example, the outbound signal may be up convertedto a particular frequency within the mid-frequency band, which may bedone within the wireless litigation processing module and order withinthe RF link interface of the core module. In addition, the outboundsignal will include a header section that identifies one or more of themultimode RF units that are to further process the outbound signal. Theoutbound signal may be transmitted in one or more packets using aEthernet protocol, a collision avoidance protocol, and or some othershared medium transgene protocol.

Each of the multimode RF units receives the outbound signal from the RFlink and interprets the signal to determine whether it is to furtherprocess the outbound signal. When the multimode RF unit is to furtherprocess the outbound signal, it configures itself in accordance with theselected wireless communication protocol to convert the outbound signalinto one or more outbound RF signals.

If the outbound RF signals include a search engine request (e.g., as itsdata payload), one or more of the multimode RF units will receive aresponse RF signal (e.g., a response to the search engine request as itsdata payload). The data processor of the multimode RF unit processes thereceived inbound RF signal in accordance with the selected wirelesscommunication protocol to convert it into an inbound signal. The dataprocessor and/or the RF link interface processes the inbound signal inaccordance with the selected RF link interface protocol (e.g., aselected channel within the mid-frequency band, a data modulationscheme, packet formatting, frame formatting, RF link access protocol,etc.).

The mid-frequency processing module of the core module receives theamount signal via the RF link and the summing module and processes theinbound signal in accordance with the selected wireless to medicationprotocol to produce inbound data. The device processing module receivesthe inbound data and processes it according to the request. For example,the device processing module may generate a graphic and/or text messagebased on the inbound data that is provided to the display of theportable computing device.

FIG. 21 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a portionof a portable computing device that includes a core module 30 and onemultimode RF unit 36-42. The core module 30 includes a power source 106(e.g., DC or 60 Hz power), a low-frequency band processing module 104(e.g., control information), a mid-frequency band processing module 102(e.g., data), a clock source 100 (e.g., the crystal oscillator, a phaselocked loop, a frequency synthesizer, etc.), and a plurality of tankcircuits (e.g., f1-f3). The multi-mode RF unit 36-42 includes aplurality of tank circuits (e.g., f1-f3), a power supply 112, a controlinformation processor 116, a data processor 124, and a clock processor120.

The tank circuits within each of the core module and the multimode RFunit function to isolate the various frequency bands used to communicateinformation between the core module and the multimode RF units. Forexample, the tank circuit coupled to the low frequency processing moduleresonates at a first frequency, which corresponds to the low frequencyband; the tank circuit coupled to the mid frequency processing moduleresonates at a second frequency, which corresponds to the mid frequencyband; and the tank circuit coupled to the clock source resonates at athird frequency, which corresponds to the high frequency band. Thecorresponding tank circuits within the multimode RF units are tuned toresonate at the first frequency, the second frequency, and the thirdfrequency, respectively. The power source and the corresponding powersupply signals are isolated from the other signals on the RF link via aninductor, which has a high impedance at frequencies at and above thefirst frequency.

FIG. 22 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a power supplyportion of a portable computing device. The core module 30 includes a DCpower source and or a low-frequency (e.g., 60 Hz) AC power source 106 toproduce one or more supply voltages. These supply voltages are coupledthrough an inductor (L1) to the RF link. The multimode RF unit 36-42includes an inductor (L2), the capacitor (C1), and a power module 112(e.g., DC or low-frequency AC). The power module 112 may include one ormore DC to DC converters, one or more linear regulators, one or morefilter capacitors, etc. For example, if the power supply voltagesreceived from the core module are at a desired level for supplyingcircuitry within the multimode RF unit, the power module would include afilter capacitor to filter the one or more power supply voltages.

FIG. 23 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a lowfrequency (e.g., control information) processing portion of a portablecomputing device that includes a core module 30 and a plurality ofmulti-mode RF units 36-42. The core module 30 includes the controlinformation processor 102, a low-frequency (LF) RF link protocol module140, and an electro-mechanical coupler 142 (e.g., a multi-in connector,an optical coupler, a coaxial coupler, etc.). Each of the MM RF units36-42 includes an electro-mechanical coupler 144, an LF RF link protocolmodule 146, and the control information processor 124.

In an example of operation, the control information processor 102generates control information regarding the operation of the portablecomputing device as previously discussed and/or as will be subsequentlydiscussed. The control information processor 102 provides the controlinformation to the low-frequency RF link protocol module 140, whichmodulates the control information in accordance with an RF link protocolto produce an RF link signal. The RF link protocol may be one of aplurality of RF link protocols that indicates a particular datamodulation scheme, carrier frequency, channel assignment, accessprotocol (e.g., Ethernet, FDMA, TDMA, CDMA, collision avoidance, etc.),and packet or frame formatting.

The low-frequency RF and protocol module 146 within the multimode RFunit processes the RF link signal in accordance with the RF linkprotocol to recapture the control information. The control informationprocessor 124 processes the recaptured control information and utilizesit as previously discussed and/or as will be subsequently discussed.

FIG. 23A is a logic diagram of an embodiment of a method of operation ofa portable computing device that begins at step 150 with the core moduledetermining whether it has a new communication request to process. Forexample, the core module is determining whether an active applicationbeing run on the portable computing device requires a new wirelesscommunication. If yes, the method continues at step 152 by determiningthe type of wireless communication (e.g., WLAN, Bluetooth, cellulardata, cellular voice, 60 GHz, etc.)

The method then continues at step 154 by determining whether anotherwireless communication is active. If not, the method continues at step156 where the core module selects RF link and multi-mode RF unitresources to support the new wireless indication. For example, the coremodule determines an RF link protocol for control information, an RFlink protocol for data, a communication protocol, a number of multimodeRF units to support the communication, and the corresponding componentswithin the core module to support the communication. The methodcontinues at step 158 where the core module allocates the selected RFlink resources and selected multi-mode RF unit resources to the newcommunication. These resources will remain allocated to thecommunication until the communication ends or reallocated in subsequentsteps.

If another call is active after determining the type of new call, themethod continues at step 166 by determining available resources (e.g.,RF Link and MM RF units). The method then continues at step 168 bydetermining whether there are enough available resources to support theresource needs of the new communication. If yes, the method continues atstep 170 by selecting resources from the available resources to supportthe new communication and then allocating the selected resources tosupport the communication.

If there are not sufficient available resources to support the newcommunication, the method continues at step 172 by determining whetherone or more active communications may be reconfigured to make availablemore resources without adversely affecting the active communications. Ifnot, the method continues at step 160 by waiting for an activecommunication to end, which may occur by evoking a communicationprioritization scheme. If reconfiguring one or more activecommunications makes available sufficient resources to support the newcommunication, the method continues at step 174 by reconfiguring theactive communications to make the resources available and thenallocating available resources to the new communication.

If the method is waiting for an active communication to end before a newcommunication can be support, when an active communication ends, themethod continues at step 162 by reclaiming the resources of the recentlyconcluded communication. The method continues at step 164 by determiningwhether the new communication is still pending (e.g., it may have timedout per a prioritization scheme and/or a waiting scheme). If not, themethod repeats at the beginning. If the new communication is stillpending, the process continues at step 168 by determining whether thereare now enough resources available to support the new communication andthe method continues as previously described.

FIG. 24 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a mid-frequencyband (e.g., data) portion of a portable computing device that includes acore module 30 and a plurality of multimode RF units 36-42. The coremodule 30 includes a plurality of baseband (BB) specific protocolmodules 180-182, one or more generic RF link protocol modules 184, andthe electro-mechanical coupler 142. Each of the MM RF units 36-42includes the electro-mechanical coupler 144, a plurality of genericto/from specific conversion modules 186-188, and a plurality of RFspecific protocol modules 190-192.

In an example of operation, the core module 30 selects one of the BBspecific protocol modules 180-182 to perform baseband processing of awireless communication based on the wireless communication protocol ofthe communication. The wireless communication protocol may be one ormore of GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, HSUPA, HSDPA, WiMAX, EDGE, GPRS, IEEE 802.11,Bluetooth, ZigBee, universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS),long term evolution (LTE), IEEE 802.16, evolution data optimized(EV-DO), etc. For an outbound communication, the selected BB specificprotocol module receives outbound data (e.g., voice, text, audio, video,graphics, etc.) from the device processing module or generates theoutbound data. The selected BB specific protocol module converts theoutbound data into one or more outbound symbol streams in accordancewith the corresponding one or more wireless communication standards.Such a conversion includes one or more of: scrambling, puncturing,encoding, interleaving, constellation mapping, modulation, frequencyspreading, frequency hopping, beamforming, space-time-block encoding,space-frequency-block encoding, frequency to time domain conversion,and/or digital baseband to intermediate frequency conversion. Note thatthe select baseband specific protocol module converts the outbound datainto a single outbound symbol stream for Single Input Single Output(SISO) communications and/or for Multiple Input Single Output (MISO)communications and converts the outbound data into multiple outboundsymbol streams for Single Input Multiple Output (SIMO) and/or MultipleInput Multiple Output (MIMO) communications.

The selected BB specific protocol module provides the outbound symbolstream to the generic RF link protocol module 184. In accordance with aselected RF link protocol for data communications (e.g., the midfrequency band), the generic RF link protocol module converts theoutbound symbol stream into an RF link outbound signal. The RF linkprotocol module may include a direct conversion topology transmitter ora super heterodyne topology transmitter to convert the outbound symbolstream into the RF link outbound signal.

For a direction conversion, the transmitter section may have aCartesian-based topology, a polar-based topology, or a hybridpolar-Cartesian-based topology. In a Cartesian-based topology, thetransmitter section receives the outbound symbol stream as in-phase (I)and quadrature (Q) components (e.g., A_(I)(t)cos(ω_(BB)(t)+φ_(I)(t)) andA_(Q)(t)cos(ω_(BB)(t)+φ_(Q)(t)), respectively) and converts the outboundsymbol stream into up-converted signals (e.g.,A(t)cos(ω_(BB)(t)+φ(t))+ω_(RF)(t))). For example, the I and Q componentsof the outbound symbol stream is mixed with in-phase and quadraturecomponents (e.g., cos(ω_(RF)(t)) and sin(ω_(RF)(t)), respectively, whereRF corresponds to the center frequency of the assigned channel or of themid-frequency band) of a transmit local oscillation (TX LO) to producemixed signals. One or more filters filter the mixed signals to producethe up-converted signals. As another example, the I and Q components ofthe outbound symbol stream are up-sampled and filtered to produce theup-converted signals. One or more amplifiers amplify the outboundup-converted signal(s) to produce the outbound RF link signal(s).

In a phase polar-based topology, the transmitter section receives theoutbound symbol stream in polar coordinates (e.g.,A(t)cos(ω_(BB)(t)+φ(t)) or A(t)cos(ω_(BB)(t)+/−Δφ)). In an example, thetransmitter section includes an oscillator that produces an oscillation(e.g., cos(ω_(RF)(t)) that is adjusted based on the phase information(e.g., +/−Δφ[phase shift] and/or φ(t)[phase modulation]) of the outboundsymbol stream(s). The resulting adjusted oscillation (e.g., cos(ω_(RF)(t)+/−Δφ) or cos(ω_(RF)(t)+φ(t)) may be further adjusted byamplitude information (e.g., A(t)[amplitude modulation]) of the outboundsymbol stream(s) to produce one or more up-converted signals (e.g.,A(t)cos(ω_(RF)(t)+φ(t)) or A(t)cos(ω_(RF)(t)+/−Δφ)). In another example,the polar coordinate based outbound symbol stream is up-sampled anddiscrete digitally filtered to produce the one or more up-convertedsignals. One or more power amplifiers amplify the outbound up-convertedsignal(s) to produce an outbound RF link signal(s).

In a frequency polar-based topology, the transmitter section receivesthe outbound symbol stream in frequency-polar coordinates (e.g.,A(t)cos(ω_(BB)(t)+f(t)) or A(t)cos(ω_(BB)(t)+/−Δf)). In an example, thetransmitter section includes an oscillator that produces an oscillation(e.g., cos(ω_(RF)(t)) this is adjusted based on the frequencyinformation (e.g., +/−Δf[frequency shift] and/or f(t))[frequencymodulation]) of the outbound symbol stream(s). The resulting adjustedoscillation (e.g., cos(ω_(RF)(t)+/−Δf) or cos(ω_(RF)(t)+f(t)) may befurther adjusted by amplitude information (e.g., A(t)[amplitudemodulation]) of the outbound symbol stream(s) to produce one or moreup-converted signals (e.g., A(t)cos(ω_(RF)(t)+f(t)) orA(t)cos(ω_(RF)(t)+/−Δf)). In another example, the frequency-polarcoordinate based outbound symbol stream is up-sampled and discretedigitally filtered to produce the one or more up-converted signals. Oneor more amplifiers amplify the outbound up-converted signal(s) toproduce an outbound RF link signal(s).

In a hybrid polar-Cartesian-based topology, the transmitter sectionreceives the outbound symbol stream as phase information (e.g.,cos(ω_(BB)(t)+/−Δφ) or cos(ω_(BB)(t)+φ(t)) and amplitude information(e.g., A(t)). In an example, the transmitter section mixes in-phase andquadrature components (e.g., cos(ω_(BB)(t)+φ_(I)(t)) andcos(ω_(BB)(t)+φ_(Q)(t)), respectively) of the one or more outboundsymbol streams with in-phase and quadrature components (e.g.,cos(ω_(RF)(t)) and sin(ω_(RF)(t)), respectively) of one or more transmitlocal oscillations (TX LO) to produce mixed signals. One or more filtersfilter the mixed signals to produce one or more outbound up-convertedsignals (e.g., A(t)cos(ω_(BB)(t)+φ(t))+ω_(RF)(t))). In another example,the polar-Cartesian-based outbound symbol stream is up-sampled anddiscrete digitally filtered to produce the one or more up-convertedsignals. One or more amplifiers amplify the outbound up-convertedsignal(s) to produce an outbound RF link signal(s).

For a super heterodyne topology, the transmitter section includes abaseband (BB) to intermediate frequency (IF) section and an IF to aradio frequency (RF section). The BB to IF section may be of apolar-based topology, a Cartesian-based topology, a hybridpolar-Cartesian-based topology, or a mixing stage to up-convert theoutbound symbol stream(s). In the three former cases, the BB to IFsection generates an IF signal(s) (e.g., A(t)cos(ω_(IF)(t)+φ(t))) andthe IF to RF section includes a mixing stage, a filtering stage and thepower amplifier driver (PAD) to produce the outbound RF link signal(s).

When the BB to IF section includes a mixing stage, the IF to RF sectionmay have a polar-based topology, a Cartesian-based topology, or a hybridpolar-Cartesian-based topology. In this instance, the BB to IF sectionconverts the outbound symbol stream(s) (e.g., A(t)cos((ω_(BB)(t)+φ(t)))into intermediate frequency symbol stream(s) (e.g.,A(t)(ω_(IF)(t)+φ(t)). The IF to RF section converts the IF symbolstream(s) into the outbound RF link signal(s).

One or more of the multimode RF units 36-42 receives the outbound RFlink signal via the electro-mechanical coupler and selects one of thegeneric to/from specific conversion modules 186-188 (e.g., the onecorresponding to the selected wireless communication protocol). Each ofthe generic-specific conversion modules 186-188 includes a transmittersection that converts the outbound RF link signal(s) into the desiredoutbound RF signal(s) per the selected wireless communication protocol.The transmitter may be perform an up-conversion process or a downconversion process to adjust the carrier frequency of the RF linksignal(s) to the desired carrier frequency of the outbound RF signal(s),which it provides to the RF specific protocol module 190-192.

Each of the RF specific protocol modules 190-192 includes one or morepower amplifiers (coupled in series and/or in parallel), an antennainterface module, and may further include one or more outbound RFbandpass filters. The antenna interface module includes one or more atransformer balun, a TX/RX isolation module (e.g., a duplexer, acirculator, a splitter, etc.), an impedance matching circuit, an antennatuning unit, and a transmission line. The power amplifier(s) and antennainterface unit are particular for a given wireless communicationprotocol. The antenna interface module processes the RF outboundsignal(s) and provides them to the antenna structure (e.g., one or moreantennas) for transmission.

For incoming communications, the antenna assembly coupled to one of theRF specific protocol modules receives one or more inbound RF signals andprovides it to the RF specific protocol module 190-192. Each of the RFspecific protocol modules further includes one or more low noiseamplifiers and/or one or more inbound RF bandpass filters. If included,the inbound RF bandpass filter filters the inbound RF signal, which maythen be amplified by the low noise amplifier. The amplified inbound RFsignal(s) is provided to the corresponding generic to specificconversion module 186-188.

Each of the generic-specific conversion modules 186-188 further includesa receiver section that converts the inbound RF signal(s), which is inaccordance with the selected wireless communication protocol, into aninbound RF link signal(s). The receiver section may be perform anup-conversion process or a down conversion process to adjust the carrierfrequency of the inbound RF signal(s) to the carrier frequency of theinbound RF link signal(s), which it outputs onto the RF link.

The generic RF link protocol module 184 of the core module 30 receivesthe inbound RF link signal(s) from the RF link and converts it into aninbound symbol stream. Accordingly, the generic RF protocol moduleincludes a receiver section that has a direct conversion topology or asuper heterodyne topology. In particular, the receiver section convertsthe inbound RF link signal(s) (e.g., A(t)cos(ω_(RF)(t)+φ(t))) into oneor more inbound symbol streams (e.g., A(t)cos((ω_(BB)(t)+φ(t))).

The corresponding baseband specific processing module 180-182 convertsthe inbound symbol stream(s) into inbound data (e.g., voice, text,audio, video, graphics, etc.) in accordance with its one or morewireless communication standards (e.g., GSM, CDMA, WCDMA, HSUPA, HSDPA,WiMAX, EDGE, GPRS, IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, ZigBee, universal mobiletelecommunications system (UMTS), long term evolution (LTE), IEEE802.16, evolution data optimized (EV-DO), etc.). Such a conversion mayinclude one or more of: digital intermediate frequency to basebandconversion, time to frequency domain conversion, space-time-blockdecoding, space-frequency-block decoding, demodulation, frequency spreaddecoding, frequency hopping decoding, beamforming decoding,constellation demapping, deinterleaving, decoding, depuncturing, and/ordescrambling. Note that the BB specific protocol module converts asingle inbound symbol stream into the inbound data for Single InputSingle Output (SISO) communications and/or for Multiple Input SingleOutput (MISO) communications and converts the multiple inbound symbolstreams into the inbound data for Single Input Multiple Output (SIMO)and Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) communications.

FIG. 25 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a basebandspecific protocol module 180-182 that includes a cyclic prefix module218, a timing recovery module 216, a puncture module 202, a forwarderror correction (FEC) encoder/decoder 200, one or more FFT (fastFourier transform) modules 214, one or more IFFT (inverse fast Fouriertransform) modules 204, one or more interleaver/deinterleaving modules206, 212, one or more coprocessors 208-210, and one or more coefficientmemory modules 220-222. Each of the modules is coupled to a busstructure, which may include an address bus, a data bus, and/or acontrol bus.

In an example of operation, the baseband specific protocol module may beconfigured to perform the baseband functions for a specific wirelesscommunication protocol or for a set of wireless communication protocols.For instance, the baseband specific protocol module may be configured toperform a wireless LAN baseband function (e.g., IEEE 802.11 a, b, g, n,etc.). In this instance, the FEC encode/decode module receives thecorresponding coefficients for the wireless LAN baseband function toencode and/or decode data. In addition, the puncture module may beenabled to puncture or de-puncture encoded data in accordance with thewireless communication protocol. For a single output communication, aninterleaver, an FFT module, and the cyclic prefix module are enabled toproduce an outbound symbol stream. For a multiple output communication,multiple interleavers, multiple FFT modules, and the cyclic prefixmodule are enabled to produce a plurality of outbound symbol streams.

FIG. 26 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of core module 30that includes a plurality of baseband (BB) specific protocol modules180-182, a generic RF link protocol module 184, and theelectro-mechanical coupler 142. The generic RF link protocol module 184includes a switch matrix 230, a digital to analog converter (DAC), anup-conversion module 232, an amplifier 234, a transmit (TX) bandpassfilter (BPF), a receive (RX) BPF, an inbound amplifier 236, adown-conversion module 238, and an analog to digital converter (ADC).

In an example of operation, one or more of the baseband specificprotocol modules 180-182 generates a baseband signal. The basebandsignal may include, in the analog domain, a single frequency component(e.g., A(t)cos(ω₁+Φ(t)); A(t)cos(ω); A cos(ω₁+Φ(t))) or multiplefrequency components (e.g., A₁(t)cos(ω₁+Φ₁(t))+A₂(t)cos(ω₂+Φ₂(t)+ . . .). The number of frequency components within a baseband signal dependson the type of data modulation. For instance, ASK, PSK, QPSK, FSK,amplitude modulation, and frequency modulation include a singlefrequency components; while QAM, OFDM, and other complex data modulationschemes include multiple frequency components.

The switch matrix 230 arbitrates access among the baseband specificprotocol modules to the transmit path (e.g., DAC, up conversion module,outbound amplifier, and TX bandpass filter) and/or to the receive path(e.g., RX bandpass filter, inbound amplifier, down conversion module,and ADC). The switch matrix may use one of a plurality of arbitrationschemes to regulate access to the transmit and receive paths. Forexample, the switch matrix 230 may utilize a round robin accessingscheme, a token scheme, a first in first out scheme, TDMA, request &response, etc. In addition, the switch matrix may arbitrate access basedon real-time communications (e.g., cellular voice, video playback, audioplayback,) etc. and non-real-time communications (e.g., file exchange,Internet access, cellular data, etc.). Further, the switch matrix mayarbitrate access in accordance with a priority scheme based on the typeof communication (e.g., cellular voice having priority over other typesof real-time communications and non-real time communications).

When the transmit path receives an outbound baseband signal, the DACconverts it into an analog signal. The up conversion module 232 mixesthe analog baseband signal with a local isolation (e.g., cos(ω_(RF)))and filters it to produce an up converted signal (e.g., (BBsignal)*cos(ω_(RF))). The outbound amplifier 234 amplifies the convertedsignal, which is then filtered by the TX bandpass filter to produce anRF link outbound signal. The electro-mechanical coupler transmits the RFlink outbound signal onto the RF link. Note that the up conversionmodule 232 may use a different local oscillation for each differentbaseband signal being processed. For example, the up conversion module232 may use a first local oscillation (e.g., cos(ωRF1)) for a firstbaseband signal, a second local oscillation (e.g., cos(ωRF2)) for asecond baseband signal, etc.

For an RF link inbound signal, the electro-mechanical coupler 142receives the signal from the RF link and provides it to the receivebaseband filter. The receive baseband filter filters the RF link inboundsignal, which is then amplified by the inbound amplifier 236. The downconversion module 238 mixes the filtered RF link inbound signal (e.g.,(BB signal)*cos(ω_(RF))) with a receive local oscillation (e.g.,cos(ω_(RF))) and filters it to produce a down converted signal (e.g.,A(t)cos(ω₁+Φ(t)); A(t)cos(ω); A cos(ω₁+Φ(t)); orA₁(t)cos(ω₁+Φ₁(t))+A₂(t)cos(ω₂+Φ₂(t)+ . . . ). The ADC converts the downconverted signal into the inbound baseband signal. Note that the downconversion module may use a different local oscillation for eachdifferent baseband signal being processed.

FIG. 27 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of switch matrix230 coupled to the transmit path (e.g., DAC and up-conversion module)and to the receive path (e.g., down-conversion module and ADC). In thisembodiment, each of the baseband specific protocol modules outputs itscorresponding baseband signal within one of a plurality of basebandchannels. As such, each baseband signal is at a different basebandfrequency than the other signals. The control module 248 allocates thebaseband channels to the plurality of baseband specific protocolmodules.

For multiple concurrent outbound baseband signals, the switch matrix 230includes a channel multiplexing module 240 that outputs the plurality ofoutbound baseband signals to a summing module 242 that combines theminto a composite outbound baseband signal. The transmit path receivesthe composite outbound baseband signal, where in the up conversionmodule mixes it with one or more local oscillations. For example, the upconversion module mixes the composite outbound baseband signal (e.g.,set of {BBTX_(—)1, . . . BBTX_n}) with a single local oscillation (e.g.,LO1; i.e., cos(ωRF1)) and filters it to produce a up-converted signal.Accordingly, the frequency spacing between signal components of the upconverted signal is the same frequency spacing that is provided by thebaseband channels. If greater frequency spacing is desired for the upconverted signal, then the up conversion module mixes the compositeoutbound baseband signal with a plurality of local oscillations (e.g.,LO1, LO2, . . . LOn). Regardless of the local oscillation, oroscillations, used to produce the up converted signal, the outboundamplifier amplifies it and the TX bandpass filter filters it to producea generic RF link transmit signal.

The generic RF link protocol module receives multiple concurrent inboundsignals as a generic RF link receive signal. The receive bandpass filterfilters the generic RF link receive signal and the amplifier amplifiesit. The down conversion module mixes the filter inbound signal with oneor more local oscillations and filters the mixed signal to produce aplurality of inbound signals. Each inbound signal is within an assignedbaseband channel and is subject to the converted to a digital signal bythe ADC to produce a plurality of inbound baseband signals. The splitter246 splits the plurality of plurality of inbound baseband signals andthe channel demux module 244 provides an inbound baseband signal to thecorrect BB specific protocol unit 180-182.

FIG. 27A is a logic diagram of an embodiment of a method of allocatingresources within a portable computing device that begins at step 250 bydetermining whether a new communication request has been received. Ifnot, the method continues at step 252 by determining whether an existingcommunication has ended. If not, the process repeats by waiting for anew communication request or an existing communication to end. If, anexisting communication ends, the allocated resources within the coremodule are reclaimed and the baseband channel assignments and RF linkchannel assignments are updated accordingly at step 254.

When a new communication request is received, the method continues atstep 256 by determining current baseband channel assignments and RF linkchannel assignments. The method then continues at step 258 bydetermining the baseband channels and RF link channels required tosupport the new communication. Factors that affect determining basebandchannel and RF link channel requirements include channel isolation,types of communications currently being supported, frequency spacing,transmit requirements, receive requirements, etc.

The method continues at step 260 by determining whether the availablechannel resources can accommodate the new communication. If yes, themethod continues at 262 by assigning one or more baseband channels andone or more RF link channels to the new communication. Note that anassigned channel may be shared for transmit and receive signals (e.g.,inbound and outbound baseband signals and inbound and outbound RF linksignals) or a channel may be assigned for transmitting and anotherchannel may be assigned for receiving. The method continues at step 264by setting up the down conversion module and the up conversion modulebased on the RF link channel assignments and baseband link channelassignments. For example, setting up the conversion modules includesselecting an appropriate local oscillation. The method then continues byupdating the current baseband and RF link channel assignments and theprocess continues as shown.

If, however, the new communication cannot be supported, the methodcontinues at step 270 by determining whether current channel assignmentsfor current communications can be adjusted to accommodate the newcommunication. If not, the method continues at step 272 by determiningwhether the new communication has priority over one or more othercommunications. If not, the new communication waits for channelresources to become available until a timeout process expires at step274. If, however, the new communication has priority over one or moreother communications, the method continues at step 268 by preempting alower priority communication and reclaiming the channels assigned to it.The method then continues by assigning baseband and RF link channels tothe new communication as step 268 and continues as shown.

If, the current assignment of allocated channels can be adjusted, themethod continues at step 266 by adjusting the assignment of basebandchannels and RF link channels to existing communications to makechannels available for the new communication. Having done this, themethod continues at step 262 by assigning baseband channels and RF linkchannels to the new communication and the method continues as shown.

FIG. 28 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of switch matrix230, an up conversion module 232, and a control module 248 within a coremodule. The switch matrix 230 includes a plurality of buffers and aswitching circuit 280. The up-conversion module 232 includes anadjustable oscillator 286, a mixing circuit 284, and a filter module282.

In an example of operation, one or more buffers of the switch matrix 230store digital representations of one or more outbound baseband signals(e.g., output of one or more baseband specific protocol modules) inaccordance with write control signals from the control module. Eachbuffer stores one or more packets worth of the outbound baseband signalfor its corresponding communication.

Depending on the number of concurrent communications, the priority ofthem, and the RF link sharing scheme (e.g., first in first out, prioritybased, etc.), the control module 248 issues read commands to the buffersand a corresponding switch control signal to the switch module. Ascontrolled, the switching circuit 280, which may include a plurality ofswitches, a switching network, a plurality of multiplexer, etc., outputsthe selected outbound baseband signal to the DAC. The DAC converts theselected outbound baseband signal into an analog signal, which itoutputs to the up conversion module.

The control module 248 provides an RF control signal to the oscillator286 to set the local oscillation frequency (cos(ωRFn)) for the selectedbaseband signal. For multiple concurrent communications, the controlmodule 248 may use different local oscillations for one or more of theoutbound baseband signals. For example, the control module uses the samelocal oscillation for each outbound baseband signal. As another example,the control module uses a unique local oscillation for each outboundbaseband signal. In yet another example, the control module uses thesame local oscillation for some of the outbound baseband signals anduses a unique local oscillation for the other outbound baseband signals.

The mixing module 284 mixes the local oscillation with the selectedbaseband signal to produce a mixed signal. For example, if the datamodulation scheme of the outbound baseband signal is QAM (e.g.,A(t)*cos(ωBB+φ(t))), then the mixed signal is ½A(t)*cos(ωBB+ωRFn+φ(t))+½ A(t)*cos(ωBB−ωRFn+φ(t)). The filter module 282attenuates the different term (e.g., ½ A(t)*cos(ωBB−ωRFn+φ(t))) inaccordance with a filter control signal (e.g., settings for bandpassregion, gain, attenuation rate, etc.) from the control module and passesthe sum term (e.g., ½ A(t)*cos(ωBB+ωRFn+φ(t))). If the gain setting ofthe control signal is two, then the filter module outputsA(t)*cos(ωBB+ωRFn+φ(t)) as the outbound RF link signal. As analternative to polar coordinates for the outbound baseband signal andlocal oscillation, Cartesian coordinates or hybrid coordinates may beused.

FIG. 29 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of switch matrix230, a down conversion module 238, and a control module 248 within acore module. The switch matrix 230 includes a plurality of buffers and aswitching circuit 296. The down conversion module 238 includes anadjustable oscillator 292, a mixing circuit 290, and a filter module294.

In an example of operation, the mixing module 290 receives an inbound RFlink signal within a given time interval of an RF link sharing protocol.The inbound RF link signal has a carrier frequency (e.g., cos(ωRFn)) ata particular RF link frequency. The control module 248 generates an RFcontrol signal to set the frequency of the oscillator to the carrierfrequency of the inbound RF link signal to produce a local oscillation.Note that the down conversion module 238 may further include a bandpassfilter, prior to mixing module, to filter the inbound RF link signal.

The mixing module 290 mixes the local oscillation with the inbound RFlink signal to produce a mixed signal. For example, if the datamodulation scheme of the inbound RF link signal baseband signal is QAM(e.g., A(t)*cos(ωRF+ωBB+φ(t))), then the mixed signal is ½A(t)*cos(ωRF+ωBB+ωLO+φ(t))+½ A(t)*cos(ωLO+ωBB−ωRFn+φ(t)). The filtermodule 294 attenuates the sum term (e.g., ½ A(t)*cos(ωRF+ωBB+ωLO+φ(t)))in accordance with a filter control signal (e.g., settings for bandpassregion, gain, attenuation rate, etc.) from the control module 248 andpasses the difference term (e.g., ½ A(t)*cos(ωRF+ωBB−ωLO+φ(t))). If thegain setting of the control signal is two, then the filter module 294outputs A(t)*cos(ωBB+φ(t)). As an alternative to polar coordinates forthe inbound RF link signal and local oscillation, Cartesian coordinatesor hybrid coordinates may be used.

The ADC converts the inbound baseband signal from the analog domain tothe digital domain. The switching circuit 296 routes the digital inboundbaseband signal to a buffer in accordance with a switch control signal.The buffer stores the digital inbound baseband signal in accordance witha write command from the controller and outputs it to a correspondingbaseband specific protocol module in accordance with a read command fromthe control module.

FIG. 30 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of switch matrix230, an up conversion module 232, and a control module 248 within a coremodule. The switch matrix 230 includes a plurality of buffers and aswitching circuit 300 and operates as previously discussed withreference to FIG. 28. The up-conversion module 232 includes a sample andhold module 302 and a discrete digital filter 304.

In an example of operation, the sample and hold module 302 receives anoutbound baseband signal (e.g., A(t)*cos(ωBB+φ(t))) from the DAC andsamples & holds it in accordance with S&H control signals (e.g., samplerate, sample frequency, hold rate, hold frequency, etc.) from thecontrol module to produce a frequency domain pulse train (e.g.,A(t)*cos(ωBB+φ(t))+A(t)*cos(ωRF+ωBB+φ(t))+A(t)*cos(2*ωRF+ωBB+φ(t))+A(t)*cos(3*ωRF+ωBB+φ(t))+. . . ). The discrete digital filter 304 (e.g., a programmable FIR(finite impulse response) filter and/or a programmable IIR (infiniteimpulse response) filter) filters the frequency domain pulse train inaccordance with a filter control signal (e.g., settings for bandpassregion, gain, attenuation rate, etc.) to produce an outbound frequencypulse at RF (e.g., A(t)*cos(ωRF+ωBB+φ(t))). The outbound frequency pulseat RF is outputted on to the RF link as the outbound RF link signal.

FIG. 31 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of switch matrix230, a down conversion module 238, and a control module 248 within acore module 30. The switch matrix 230 includes a plurality of buffersand a switching circuit 310 and operates as previously discussed withreference to FIG. 29. The down conversion module 238 includes a sampleand hold module 306 and a discrete digital filter 308.

In an example of operation, the sample and hold module 306 receives aninbound RF link signal (e.g., A(t)*cos(ωRF+ωBB+φ(t))) from the RF linkand samples & holds it in accordance with S&H control signals (e.g.,sample rate, sample frequency, hold rate, hold frequency, etc.) from thecontrol module to produce a frequency domain pulse train (e.g., . . .+A(t)*cos(ωRF−Xω2*FS+ωBB+φ(t))+ . . .+A(t)*cos(ωRF+ωBB+φ(t))+A(t)*+A(t)*cos(ωRF+Xω2*FS+ωBB+φ(t)) . . . ),where X is an integer greater than or equal to 1 and FS is the samplingfrequency. The discrete digital filter 308 (e.g., a programmable FIR(finite impulse response) filter and/or a programmable IIR (infiniteimpulse response) filter) filters the frequency domain pulse train inaccordance with a filter control signal (e.g., settings for bandpassregion, gain, attenuation rate, etc.) to produce an inbound basebandsignal (e.g., A(t)*cos(ωRF−Xω2*FS+ωBB+φ(t))=A(t)*cos(ωBB+φ(t)), whereωRF=Xω2*FS). The inbound baseband signal is outputted to the ADC.

FIG. 31A is a logic diagram of another embodiment of a method ofallocating resources within a portable computing device that may beperformed by the control module of FIGS. 28-31. The method begins atstep 320 by determining whether more than one communication is active.If yes, the method continues at step 322 by determining desired basebandtime sharing conditions for the switch matrix. For example, the timesharing conditions include bandwidth requirements for each of the activecommunications, the type of communication (e.g., real-time ornon-real-time communication), priority levels of the communications,data rate requirements, etc.

The method continues at step 324 by determining whether the desiredbaseband time sharing conditions can be met. If yes, the methodcontinues at step 326 by determining whether multiple RF link channelswill be used for the various communications. In other words, determiningwhether a single channel will be used to support the communications orwhether multiple channels will be used to support the communications. Ifmultiple RF link channels are to be used, the method continues at step328 by setting the local oscillation and filter parameters for each RFlink channel corresponding to the current baseband signal beingprocessed. The method continues at step 330 by generating theappropriate read and write commands for the buffers and switch controlsignals for the switching circuit. If a single channel of the RF link isto be used, the method continues at step 322 by sending the localoscillation and filter parameters for the single channel and the methodcontinues as shown.

If the baseband time sharing conditions cannot be met, the methodcontinues at step 324 by determining whether the desired baseband timesharing conditions can be changed (e.g., change bandwidth requirements,change data rate requirements, change channel separation, etc.). If yes,the method continues at step 336 by changing the baseband time sharingconditions and continues as shown. If not, the method continues at steps338 & 340 by prioritizing the active communications and determining thebaseband timesharing conditions based on the priorities.

FIG. 32 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of core module 30that includes a plurality of baseband (BB) specific protocol modules180-184, a generic RF link protocol module 186, and theelectro-mechanical coupler 142. The generic RF link protocol module 186includes a switch matrix 350, a plurality of digital to analogconverters (DAC), an up-conversion module 352, a plurality of outboundamplifiers, a plurality of transmit (TX) bandpass filters (BPF), aplurality of receive (RX) BPF, a plurality of inbound amplifiers, adown-conversion module 354, and a plurality of analog to digitalconverters (ADC).

In an example of operation, one or more of the baseband specificprotocol modules 180-184 generates a baseband signal. The switch matrix350 arbitrates access among the baseband specific protocol modules toone of the transmit paths (e.g., one of the DACs, the up conversionmodule, one of the outbound amplifiers, and one of the TX bandpassfilters) and/or to one of the receive paths (e.g., one of the RXbandpass filters, one of the inbound amplifiers, the down conversionmodule, and one of the ADCs). The switch matrix 350 may use a staticscheme (fixed allocation of a BB specific protocol module to a specifictransmit path and a specific receive path) or a dynamic scheme (allocatea BB specific protocol module to a transmit path and receive path asneeded) to regulate access to the transmit and receive paths.

For each transmit path that receives an outbound baseband signal, theDAC converts it into an analog signal. The up conversion module 352,which may be shared or include a plurality of up conversion modules,mixes the analog baseband signal with a specific local isolation (e.g.,cos(ωRFn), which corresponds to the assigned RF Link channel) andfilters it to produce an up converted signal (e.g., (BBsignal)*cos(ω_(RF))). The outbound amplifier amplifies the convertedsignal, which is then filtered by the TX bandpass filter to produce anRF link outbound signal. The electro-mechanical coupler transmits the RFlink outbound signal onto the RF link.

For each RF link inbound signal, the electro-mechanical coupler receivesthe signal from the RF link and provides it to the corresponding receivebaseband filter. The receive baseband filter filters the RF link inboundsignal, which is then amplified by the inbound amplifier. The downconversion module 354, which may be shared or include a plurality ofdown conversion modules, mixes the filtered RF link inbound signal(e.g., (BB signal)*cos(ω_(RF))) with a specific receive localoscillation (e.g., cos(ω_(RF)), which corresponds to the assigned RFLink channel) and filters it to produce a down converted signal (e.g.,A(t)cos(ω₁+Φ(t)); or A₁(t)cos(ω₁+Φ₁(t))+A₂(t)cos(ω₂+Φ₂(t)+ . . . ). TheADC converts the down converted signal into the inbound baseband signal.

FIG. 33 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of switch matrix350, a down conversion module 354, a plurality of ADCs, and a controlmodule 248 of the core module 30. The switch matrix 250 includes aplurality of buffers and a switching circuit 372. The down conversionmodule 354 includes a RF switch matrix 368, a BB switch matrix 370, anda plurality of down conversion modules 360-366 (e.g., one or more analogdown conversion modules (e.g., FIG. 29), one or more discrete digitalconversion modules (e.g., FIG. 31), and/or a combination thereof).

The control module 248 selects a specific down conversion module for aspecific communication and provides control signals to the BB and RFswitch matrix 368 and 370 to route the inbound signals therebetween. Thecontrol module 248 further functions as previously discussed to controlthe switch matrix and to allocate receive paths to the BB specificprotocol modules.

FIG. 34 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of switch matrix350, an up conversion module 352, a plurality of DACs, and a controlmodule 248 of the core module 30. The switch matrix 350 includes aplurality of buffers and a switching circuit 392. The up conversionmodule 352 includes a RF switch matrix 388, a BB switch matrix 390, anda plurality of up conversion modules 380-386 (e.g., one or more analogup conversion modules (e.g., FIG. 28), one or more discrete digital upconversion modules (e.g., FIG. 30), and/or a combination thereof).

The control module 248 selects a specific up conversion module for aspecific communication and provides control signals to the BB and RFswitch matrix 388 and 390 to route the outbound signals therebetween.The control module 248 further functions as previously discussed tocontrol the switch matrix and to allocate transmit paths to the BBspecific protocol modules.

FIG. 35 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of multi-mode RFunit 36-42 that includes the electro-mechanical coupler 144, a switchmodule 400, a control module 402, a plurality of generic/specificconversion modules 186-188, and a plurality of RF specific protocolmodules 190-192. Each of the generic/specific conversion modules 186-188includes an outbound frequency shift module 404, 408 and an inboundfrequency shift module 406, 410. Each of the RF specific protocolmodules 190-192 includes a power amplifier (PA), a low noise amplifier(LNA), and an antenna interface module 412, 414 coupled to an antennastructure (e.g., one or more antennas).

In an example of operation of transmitting one or more outboundcommunications, the multi-mode (MM) RF unit 36-42 receives one or moreRF link signals on the same channel, or on different channels, in a timesharing fashion. As such, the MM RF unit receives one outboundcommunication at a time, where the outbound communication includes oneor more packets (or frames) of outbound data. The switching module 400,which includes a switch network, a demultiplexor, etc., routes theoutbound RF link signal to the outbound frequency shift module of one ofthe generic/specific conversion modules 186-188 in accordance with acontrol signal from the control module.

The outbound frequency shift module 404,408 includes a directup-conversion module (e.g., analog or discrete digital), a directdown-conversion module (e.g., analog or discrete digital), and/or aprogrammable conversion module (e.g., analog or discrete digital). Inaddition, the outbound frequency shift module may have a Cartesian-basedtopology, a polar-based topology, or a hybrid frequency polar-basedtopology.

In a Cartesian-based topology, the outbound frequency shift modulereceives the outbound RF link signal as in-phase (I) and quadrature (Q)components (e.g., A₁(t)cos(ω_(RFL)+ω_(BB)(t)+φ_(I)(t)) andA_(Q)(t)cos(ω_(RFL)+ω_(BB)(t)+φ_(Q)(t)), respectively, where ω_(RFL)corresponds to the RF link channel frequency) and converts the outboundRF link signal into up-converted signals (e.g.,A(t)cos(ω_(RFL)+ω_(BB)(t)+φ(t))+φ_(MMRF))) or into a down convertedsignal (e.g., A(t)cos(ω_(RFL)+ω_(BB)(t)+φ(t))−ω_(MMRF))), where ω_(MMRF)corresponds to the different between the RF link channel frequency andthe desired frequency of the outbound RF signal. For example, the I andQ components of the outbound RF link signal are mixed with in-phase andquadrature components (e.g., cos(ω_(MMRF)) and sin(ω_(MMRF)),respectively) of a MM RF unit transmit local oscillation (TX LO) toproduce mixed signals. One or more filters of the outbound frequencyshift module filter the mixed signals to produce the up-convertedsignals or the down-converted signals. The PA of the corresponding RFspecific protocol module amplifies the outbound up- (or down-) convertedsignal(s) and provides it to the antenna interface module fortransmission as the outbound RF signal(s). The antenna interface moduleincludes one or more a transformer balun, a TX/RX isolation module(e.g., a duplexer, a circulator, a splitter, etc.), an impedancematching circuit, an antenna tuning unit, and a transmission line.

In a phase polar-based topology, the outbound frequency shift modulereceives the outbound RF link signal in polar coordinates (e.g.,A(t)cos(ω_(RFL)+φ(t)) or A(t)cos(ω_(RFL)+/−Δφ)). In an example, theoutbound frequency shift module includes an oscillator that produces anoscillation (e.g., cos(ω_(MMRF)(t)) that is adjusted based on the phaseinformation (e.g., +/−Δφ[phase shift] and/or φ(t)[phase modulation]) ofthe outbound RF link signal(s). The resulting adjusted oscillation(e.g., cos(ω_(MMRF)(t)+/−Δφ) or cos(ω_(MMRF)(t)+φ(t)) may be furtheradjusted by amplitude information (e.g., A(t)[amplitude modulation]) ofthe outbound RF link signal(s) to produce one or more up- (or down-)converted signals (e.g., A(t)cos(ω_(RF)(t)+φ(t)) orA(t)cos(ω_(RF)(t)+/−Δφ)). The PA of the corresponding RF specificprotocol module amplifies the outbound up- (or down-) convertedsignal(s) and provides it to the antenna interface module fortransmission as the outbound RF signal(s).

In a frequency polar-based topology, the outbound frequency shift modulereceives the outbound RF link signal in frequency-polar coordinates(e.g., A(t)cos(ω_(RFL)(t)+f(t)) or A(t)cos(ω_(BRFL)(t)+/−Δf)). In anexample, the outbound frequency shift module includes an oscillator thatproduces an oscillation (e.g., cos(ω_(RF)(t)) this is adjusted based onthe frequency information (e.g., +/−Δf[frequency shift] and/or f(t))[frequency modulation]) of the outbound RF link signal(s). The resultingadjusted oscillation (e.g., cos(ω_(RF)(t)+/−Δf) or cos(ω_(RF)(t)+f(t))may be further adjusted by amplitude information (e.g., A(t)[amplitudemodulation]) of the outbound RF link signal(s) to produce one or moreup- (or down-) converted signals (e.g., A(t)cos(ω_(RF)(t)+f(t)) orA(t)cos(ω_(RF)(t)+/−Δf)). The PA of the corresponding RF specificprotocol module amplifies the outbound up- (or down-) convertedsignal(s) and provides it to the antenna interface module fortransmission as the outbound RF signal(s).

For incoming communications, the antenna assembly coupled to one of theRF specific protocol modules receives one or more inbound RF signals andprovides it to the RF specific protocol module. Each of the RF specificprotocol modules further includes one or more low noise amplifiersand/or one or more inbound RF bandpass filters. If included, the inboundRF bandpass filter filters the inbound RF signal, which may then beamplified by the low noise amplifier. The amplified inbound RF signal(s)is provided to the corresponding generic to specific conversion module.

The inbound frequency shift module of a generic/specific conversionmodule converts the inbound RF signal(s) into an inbound RF link signal.For example, the inbound frequency shift module includes a directup-conversion module (e.g., analog or discrete digital), a directdown-conversion module (e.g., analog or discrete digital), and/or aprogrammable conversion module (e.g., analog or discrete digital). Inaddition, the inbound frequency shift module may have a Cartesian-basedtopology, a polar-based topology, or a hybrid frequency polar-basedtopology, which have been previously discussed. The inbound frequencyshift module outputs the inbound RF link signal on to the RF link.

FIG. 35A is a logic diagram of an embodiment of a method of allocatingresources within an MM RF unit. The method begins at step 420 with thecontrol module of a multimode RF unit receiving RF link channelassignment information (e.g., number of channels of the RF link, channelbandwidth, channel spacing, etc.) via the control frequency band. Themethod continues at step 422 with the multi-mode RF unit receivingcommunication information (e.g., type of communications, RF link channelassignments, etc.) via the control frequency band. The method continuesat step 424 with the control module determining, for each communication,RF link channel assignment and the communication protocol type based onthe channel assignment information and the communication information.

The method continues at step 426 with the control module determiningwhich generic/specific control modules to enable to support the specificcommunications. The method then continues at step 428 with the controlmodule setting up the switching module to couple the identifiedgeneric/pacific control modules to receive/transmit the appropriatecommunications via the RF link. The method then continues at step 430with the control module configuring the generic/specific module for eachcommunication (e.g., setting up an outbound up or down conversion,setting up an inbound up or down conversion, etc.).

FIG. 35B is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a portion of amulti-mode RF unit 36-42 that includes a generic/specific conversionmodule 186 and an RF specific protocol module 190. The generic/specificconversion module 186 includes one or more of a discrete digital receivesection 440, a discrete digital transmit section 442, an analog receivesection 444, and/or an analog transmit section 446 to perform one ormore of the functions of the generic/specific conversion modulepreviously discussed. The RF specific protocol module 190 may beprogrammable to perform one or more of a plurality of RF specificcommunication protocols and/or may be of a static implementation toperform one or more of the plurality of RF specific communicationprotocols. The RF specific communication protocols includes 3G cellularvoice 448, 3G cellular data 450, 4G cellular voice & data 452, nextgenerations cellular voice and/or data 454, personal area network 456(e.g., Bluetooth, ZigBee, etc.), a wireless local area network 458(WLAN) (e.g., IEEE 8021.11 x), and a 60 GHz data transfer protocol 460.

FIG. 36 is a diagram of an example of an up frequency shift from an RFlink frequency to an RF communication frequency. In this example, theoutbound frequency shift module 404, 408 of a generic/specificconversion module converts an outbound RF link signal to an outbound RFsignal, where carrier frequency of the outbound RF signal is greaterthan the carrier frequency of the outbound RF link signal.

FIG. 37 is a diagram of an example of a down frequency shift from an RFlink frequency to an RF communication frequency. In this example, theoutbound frequency shift module 404, 408 of a generic/specificconversion module converts an outbound RF link signal to an outbound RFsignal, where carrier frequency of the outbound RF signal is less thanthe carrier frequency of the outbound RF link signal.

FIG. 38 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of an analogoutbound frequency shift module 404, 408 of a generic/specificconversion module coupled to a control module. The analog outboundfrequency shift module includes a mixing module 472, an oscillator 470,and a filter module.

For an up conversion of the outbound RF link signal to the outbound RFsignal, the control module 402 generates an RF control signal and afilter control signal. The oscillator 470 generates an oscillation inaccordance with the RF control signal. The mixing module 472 mixes theoutbound RF link signal (e.g., A_(I)(t)cos(ω_(RFL)+ω_(BB)(t)+φ_(I)(t))with the local oscillation (e.g., ω_(MMRF)) to produce a mixed signal(e.g., ½ A(t)cos(ω_(RFL)+ω_(BB)(t)+φ(t))+ω_(MMRF))+½A(t)cos(ω_(RFL)+ω_(BB)(t)+φ(t))−ω_(MMRF))). The filter module filtersthe mixed signal in accordance with the filter control signal toattenuate the different component and pass the sum component (andoptionally with gain). As such, the filter module outputs theup-converted RF signal (e.g.,A(t)cos(ω_(RFL)+ω_(BB)(t)+φ(t))+ω_(MMRF))).

For down conversion of the outbound RF link signal to the outbound RFsignal, the control module 402 generates an RF control signal and afilter control signal. The oscillator 470 generates an oscillation inaccordance with the RF control signal. The mixing module 472 mixes theoutbound RF link signal with the local oscillation to produce a mixedsignal (e.g., ½ A(t)cos(ω_(RFL)+ω_(BB)(t)+φ(t))+ω_(MMRF))+½A(t)cos(ω_(RFL)+ω_(BB)(t)+φ(t))−ω_(MMRF))). The filter module filtersthe mixed signal in accordance with the filter control signal toattenuate the sum component and pass the difference component (andoptionally with gain). As such, the filter module outputs thedown-converted RF signal (e.g.,A(t)cos(ω_(RFL)+ω_(BB)(t)+φ(t))−ω_(MMRF))). Note that the inboundfrequency shift module may have a similar topology and function in asimilar manner.

FIG. 39 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a discretedigital outbound frequency shift module 404, 408 of a generic/specificconversion module coupled to a control module. The discrete digitaloutbound frequency shift module includes a sample and hold module 480and a discrete digital filter 482.

For an up conversion of the outbound RF link signal to the outbound RFsignal, the control module 402 generates an S&H control signal and afilter control signal. In accordance with S&H control signals (e.g.,sample rate, sample frequency, hold rate, hold frequency, etc.), thesample and hold module 480 samples & holds the outbound RF link signal(e.g., A(t)*cos(ωRFL+ωBB+φ(t))) to produce a frequency domain pulsetrain (e.g., . . . +A(t)*cos(ωRFL−Xω2*FS+ωBB+φ(t))+ . . .+A(t)*cos(ωRFL+ωBB+φ(t))+A(t)*+A(t)*cos(ωRFL+Xω2*FS+ωBB+φ(t)) . . . ),where X is an integer greater than or equal to 1, RFL is the carrierfrequency of the RF link signal, and FS is the sampling frequency. Thediscrete digital filter 482 (e.g., a programmable FIR (finite impulseresponse) filter and/or a programmable IIR (infinite impulse response)filter) filters the frequency domain pulse train in accordance with afilter control signal (e.g., settings for bandpass region, gain,attenuation rate, etc.) to produce an outbound RF signal (e.g.,A(t)*cos(ωRFL+Xω2*FS+ωBB+φ(t))=A(t)*cos(ωRF+ωBB+φ(t)), whereωRF=ωRFL+Xω2*FS and corresponds to the desired carrier frequency of theoutbound RF signal) as shown in FIG. 40.

For a down conversion of the outbound RF link signal to the outbound RFsignal, the control module 402 generates an S&H control signal and afilter control signal. In accordance with S&H control signals, thesample and hold module 480 samples & holds the outbound RF link signalto produce the frequency domain pulse train. The discrete digital filterfilters the frequency domain pulse train in accordance with a filtercontrol signal to produce an outbound RF signal (e.g.,A(t)*cos(ωRFL−Xω2*FS+ωBB+φ(t))=A(t)*cos(ωRF+ωBB+φ(t)), whereωRF=ωRFL−Xω2*FS and corresponds to the desired carrier frequency of theoutbound RF signal) as shown in FIG. 41.

FIG. 42 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of amulti-mode RF unit 36-42 for which the RF link is allocated in afrequency sharing manner. The MM RF unit 36-42 includes theelectro-mechanical coupler 144, a plurality of filter modules 490-492, acontrol module 402, a plurality of generic/specific conversion modules186-188, and a plurality of RF specific protocol modules 190-192. Eachof the generic/specific conversion modules 186-188 includes an outboundfrequency shift module 404, 408 and an inbound frequency shift module406, 410. Each of the RF specific protocol modules 190-192 includes apower amplifier (PA), a low noise amplifier (LNA), and an antennainterface module 412, 414 coupled to an antenna structure (e.g., one ormore antennas).

In an example of transmitting outbound signals, the MM RF unit 36-42receives a plurality of outbound RF link signals via the RF link. Eachof the outbound RF link signals is allocated a different channel of theRF link and thus has a unique carrier frequency. The control module 402generates filter control signals for each of the plurality of filtermodules 490-492 such that each one is tuned to pass one of the outboundRF link signals and to attenuate the rest. The control module 402further generates control signals for the generic/specific conversionmodule 186-188 and for the RF specific protocol module 190-192 such thatthey may function as previously discussed to convert the outbound RFlink signal into an outbound RF signal.

In an example of receiving inbound signals, the MM RF unit 36-42receives a plurality of inbound RF signals via the antenna assemblies.The RF specific units 190-192 are tuned per control signals from thecontrol module for a given wireless communication protocol and, as such,operate on a corresponding one of the plurality of inbound RF signals.The inbound frequency shift module 406, 410 of the generic/specificprotocol module 186-188 converts the inbound RF signal into an inboundRF link signal, which is provided to the RF link via the associatedfilter module, which is tuned per control signals from the controlmodule.

FIG. 43 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a portablecomputing device that includes a core processing module 30 and aplurality of multi-mode RF units 36-42. The core module 30 includes aplurality of generic baseband (BB) processing modules 500-502 and theelectro-mechanical coupler 142. Each of the MM RF units 36-42 includesthe electro-mechanical coupler 144 and a plurality of RF specificprotocol units 506.

In an example of operation, one or more generic baseband processingmodules are active to process one or more active communications. Forexample, a first generic baseband processing module is active to processa first communication and a second generic baseband processing module isactive to process a second communication. Each of the generic basebandprocessing modules operates in a similar manner, regardless of the typeof communication, to convert outbound data into an outbound RF linksignal and to convert an inbound RF link signal into inbound data. Forexample, a first communication may be a WLAN communication and a secondcommunication may be a cellular voice communication. The genericbaseband processing module assigned to process the first communicationwill perform the same functions as the generic baseband processingmodule assigned to process the second communication.

Each of the RF specific protocol units within a multimode RF unit isconfigured (fixed or programmable) for a specific wireless communicationprotocol (e.g., WLAN, Bluetooth, cellular voice, cellular data, etc.).For example, a first RF specific protocol unit may be for WLANcommunications and a second RF specific protocol unit may be forcellular voice communications. In this example, the first RF specificprotocol unit receives RF link signals, in a generic format, from thefirst generic BB processing module. The first RF specific protocol unitconverts the generically formatted RF link signal into an outbound RFsignal in accordance with the specific wireless communication protocol.For inbound RF signals, the first RF specific protocol unit converts theinbound RF signals that are formatted in accordance with the wirelesscommunication protocol into generically formatted inbound RF linksignals.

FIG. 43A is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a portionof a portable computing device that includes the core module 30 and oneof the plurality of multi-mode RF units 36-42. Each of the genericbaseband processing modules of the core module includes an RF linkinterface 510 that includes an up-conversion module 514 and adown-conversion module 516. Each of the RF specific protocol units ofthe MM RF unit includes an RF link interface 512, a baseband processingmodule 520, a transmit path, and a receive path. The RF link interface512 includes a down conversion module 518 and an up conversion module520. The transmit path includes a DAC, an up-conversion module 522, apre-power amplifier, a power amplifier, and an antenna interface (notshown). The receive path includes the antenna interface, an LNA (whichmay further include a pre-LNA and/or a post-LNA), a down conversionmodule 524, and a DAC.

In an example of a wireless communication transmission, the core module30 converts outbound data (e.g., voice, text, graphics, audio, video,etc.) into an outbound RF link signal via the up conversion module.Within the multimode RF unit, the down conversion module of the RF linkconverts the outbound RF link signal back into the outbound data. Notethat the up conversion module of the core module's RF link interface maybe an analog up conversion module and/or a discrete digital upconversion module as previously discussed and the down conversion moduleof the MM RF unit's RF link interface may be an analog down conversionmodule and/or a discrete digital down conversion module as previouslydiscussed.

The baseband processing module of the multimode RF unit converts theoutbound data into an outbound symbol stream, as previously discussed.The DAC converts the outbound symbol stream from the digital domain tothe analog domain. The up conversion module, which may be implemented aspreviously discussed, converts the outbound symbol stream into anoutbound RF signal, which is amplified by the pre-power amplifier andpower amplifier.

In an example of a wireless communication reception, the LNA amplifiesan inbound RF signal and provides it to the down conversion module. Thedown conversion module, which may be implemented as previouslydiscussed, converts the inbound RF signal into an inbound symbol stream.The ADC converts the inbound symbol stream from the analog domain to thedigital domain. The baseband processing module converts the inboundsymbol stream into inbound data in accordance with the wirelesscommunication protocol.

The up conversion module of the MM RF unit's RF link interface convertsthe inbound data into an inbound RF link signal. The down conversionmodule of the core module's RF link interface converts the inbound RFlink signal back into the inbound data. Note that the down conversionmodule of the core module's RF link interface may be an analog downconversion module and/or a discrete digital down conversion module aspreviously discussed and the up conversion module of the MM RF unit's RFlink interface may be an analog up conversion module and/or a discretedigital up conversion module as previously discussed.

FIG. 43B is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a portionof a portable computing device that includes the core module 30 and oneof the plurality of multi-mode RF units 36-42. The core module 30includes one or more baseband processing modules 530, one or more DACs,one or more ADCs, and one or more RF link interfaces 510. Each of theone or more RF link interfaces 510 includes an up-conversion module 514and a down-conversion module 516. The MM RF unit 36-42 includes one ormore RF link interfaces 512, a plurality of sets of PAs and LNAs, andone or more antenna interfaces (not shown).

In an example of a wireless communication transmission, the basebandprocessing module 530 of the core module converts outbound data (e.g.,voice, text, graphics, audio, video, etc.) into an outbound symbolstream in accordance with a wireless communication protocol. Thebaseband processing module may be dynamically configured to perform thebaseband functions of the wireless communication protocol or is of fixedimplementation. The DAC converts the outbound symbol stream from thedigital domain to the analog domain. The up conversion module of thecore module's RF link converts the outbound symbol stream into an upconverted signal that has a carrier frequency of the desired outbound RFsignal and outputs the up converted signal onto the RF link.

An RF link bandpass filter (BPF) 532, 536, 540 of the MM RF unit's RFlink interface passes the up converted signal to a corresponding PA foramplification and subsequent transmission. For example, if theup-converted signal has a carrier frequency of 2.4 GHz and the wirelesscommunication protocol is Bluetooth, the RF link TX BPF tuned to 2.4 GHzand is enabled for Bluetooth will pass the signal to its PA.

In an example of a wireless communication reception, the LNA amplifiesan inbound RF signal and provides it to the corresponding RF link RX BPF534, 538, 542, which filters the inbound RF signal and outputs it ontothe RF link. The down conversion module of the core module's RF linkinterface converts the inbound RF signal into an inbound symbol stream.The ADC converts the inbound symbol stream from the analog domain to thedigital domain. The baseband processing module converts the inboundsymbol stream into inbound data in accordance with the wirelesscommunication protocol.

FIG. 44 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a transmit pathgeneric baseband 500-502 of the core module 30 that includes an encoder,a puncture module, a generic constellation mapper, an IFFT (inverse fastFourier transform) module, and an up conversion to RF link module. Thegeneric constellation mapper may use one or more high data densityconstellation mapping schemes (256 QAM, etc.) since the RF link willhave minimal channel loss.

In an example of operation, the encoder module, which may be generic orspecific for a particular wireless communication protocol, encodesoutbound data to produce encoded data. The puncture module, which may begeneric or specific for a particular wireless communication protocol,punctures the encoded data or the outbound data to produce punctureddata. The generic constellation mapper maps the outbound data, theencoded data, or the puncture data into a constellation symbol (in acontinuous processing of outbound data, a constellation symbol is one ina stream of outbound symbols). Note that the encoder and/or puncturemodule may be bypassed.

The IFFT module converts the constellation symbol from the frequencydomain to the time domain. The up conversion module converts theoutbound generic symbol stream into and outbound RF link signal.

FIG. 45 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a transmit pathRF specific protocol unit 504-506 within an MM RF unit that correspondsto the generic BB processing module of FIG. 44. The RF specific protocolmodule includes a down conversion from RF link module, an FFT module, ageneric constellation demapper, an interleaver, a specific constellationmapper, an IFFT module, and an RF specific transmitter.

In an example of operation, the down conversion module converts anoutbound RF link signal into an outbound generic symbol stream. The FFTmodule converts the outbound generic symbol stream from the time domainto the frequency domain. The generic constellation demapper demaps theoutbound generic symbol stream to recapture the outbound data, theencoded data, or the punctured data. The interleaver interleaves therecaptured outbound data, the encoded data, or the punctured data toproduce interleaved data.

The specific constellation mapper (e.g., specific for a particularwireless communication protocol) maps the interleaved data into symbols.The IFFT module converts the outbound specific symbol stream from thefrequency domain to the time domain. The RF specific transmitterconverts the outbound specific symbol stream into an outbound RF signalin accordance with the specific wireless communication protocol.

FIG. 46 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a receive pathRF specific protocol unit 504-506 within an MM RF unit. The receive pathincludes an RF specific receiver, an FFT module, a specificconstellation demapper, a de-interleaver, a generic constellationmapper, an IFFT module, and an up-conversion to RF link module.

In an example of operation, the RF specific receiver section receives aninbound RF signal and converts it into an inbound symbol stream. The FFTmodule converts the inbound symbol stream from the time domain to thefrequency domain. The specific constellation demapper e.g., specific fora particular wireless communication protocol) demaps the inbound symbolstream to produce interleaved data. The de-interleaver de-interleavesthe interleaved data to produce inbound data, inbound punctured data, orinbound encoded data.

The generic constellation mapper maps the inbound data, inboundpunctured data, or inbound encoded data into an inbound generic symbolstream. The generic constellation mapper may use one or more high datadensity constellation mapping schemes (256 QAM, etc.) since the RF linkwill have minimal channel loss. The IFFT module converts the inboundgeneric symbol stream from the frequency domain to the time domain. Theup conversion to RF link module converts the inbound generic symbolstream into an inbound RF link signal.

FIG. 47 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a receive pathof a generic baseband core module 500-502 that corresponds to the MM RFunit of FIG. 46. The receive path includes a down conversion from RFlink module, an FFT module, a generic constellation demapper, ade-puncture module, and a decoder.

In an example of operation, the down conversion module converts aninbound RF link signal into an inbound generic symbol stream. The FFTmodule converts the inbound generic symbol stream from the time domainto the frequency domain. The generic constellation demapper demaps theinbound generic symbol stream into inbound data, inbound specificpunctured data, or inbound specific encoded data. If enabled, thede-puncture module depunctures, in accordance with the specific wirelesscommunication protocol, the inbound specific punctured data to producethe inbound data or the inbound specific encoded data. If enabled, thedecoder decodes, in accordance with the specific wireless communicationprotocol, the inbound specific encoded data to produce the inbound data.

FIG. 48 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a transmit pathof a generic baseband core module 500-502 that includes a genericconstellation mapper, an IFFT (inverse fast Fourier transform) module,and an up conversion to RF link module. The generic constellation mappermay use one or more high data density constellation mapping schemes (256QAM, etc.) since the RF link will have minimal channel loss.

In an example of operation, the generic constellation mapper maps theoutbound data into a constellation symbol (for continuous processing ofoutbound data, a constellation symbol is one in a stream of outboundsymbols). The IFFT module converts the constellation symbol from thefrequency domain to the time domain. The up conversion module convertsthe outbound generic symbol stream into and outbound RF link signal.

FIG. 49 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a transmitpath RF specific protocol unit 504-506 within an MM RF unit thatcorresponds to the generic BB processing module of FIG. 48. The RFspecific protocol module includes a down conversion from RF link module,an FFT module, a generic constellation demapper, an encoder, a puncturemodule, an interleaver, a specific constellation mapper, an IFFT module,and an RF specific transmitter.

In an example of operation, the down conversion module converts anoutbound RF link signal into an outbound generic symbol stream. The FFTmodule converts the outbound generic symbol stream from the time domainto the frequency domain. The generic constellation demapper demaps theoutbound generic symbol stream to recapture the outbound data, theencoded data, or the punctured data.

The encoder module, which is specific for a particular wirelesscommunication protocol, encodes outbound data to produce encoded data.The puncture module, which is specific for a particular wirelesscommunication protocol, punctures, when enabled, the encoded data or theoutbound data to produce punctured data. The interleaver interleaves therecaptured outbound data, the encoded data, or the punctured data toproduce interleaved data.

The specific constellation mapper (e.g., specific for a particularwireless communication protocol) maps the interleaved data into symbols.The IFFT module converts the outbound specific symbol stream from thefrequency domain to the time domain. The RF specific transmitterconverts the outbound specific symbol stream into an outbound RF signalin accordance with the specific wireless communication protocol.

FIG. 50 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a receive pathRF specific protocol unit 504-506 within an MM RF unit. The receive pathincludes an RF specific receiver, an FFT module, a specificconstellation demapper, a de-interleaver, a de-puncture module, and adecoder, a generic constellation mapper, an IFFT module, and anup-conversion to RF link module.

In an example of operation, the RF specific receiver section receives aninbound RF signal and converts it into an inbound symbol stream. The FFTmodule converts the inbound symbol stream from the time domain to thefrequency domain. The specific constellation demapper e.g., specific fora particular wireless communication protocol) demaps the inbound symbolstream to produce interleaved data. The de-interleaver de-interleavesthe interleaved data to produce inbound punctured data. If enabled, thede-puncture module depunctures, in accordance with the specific wirelesscommunication protocol, the inbound specific punctured data to produceinbound specific encoded data. If enabled, the decoder decodes, inaccordance with the specific wireless communication protocol, theinbound specific encoded data to produce the inbound data.

The generic constellation mapper maps the inbound data into an inboundgeneric symbol stream. The generic constellation mapper may use one ormore high data density constellation mapping schemes (256 QAM, etc.)since the RF link will have minimal channel loss. The IFFT moduleconverts the inbound generic symbol stream from the frequency domain tothe time domain. The up conversion to RF link module converts theinbound generic symbol stream into an inbound RF link signal.

FIG. 51 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a receive pathof a generic baseband core module 500-502 that corresponds to the MM RFunit of FIG. 50. The receive path includes a down conversion from RFlink module, an FFT module, and a generic constellation demapper.

In an example of operation, the down conversion module converts aninbound RF link signal into an inbound generic symbol stream. The FFTmodule converts the inbound generic symbol stream from the time domainto the frequency domain. The generic constellation demapper demaps theinbound generic symbol stream into inbound data.

FIG. 52 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a portablecomputing device that includes the core module 30 and a plurality ofmulti-mode RF units 36-42. The core module 30 includes a plurality ofspecific protocol units 550-552 and the electro-mechanical coupler 142.Each of the multi-mode RF units 36-42 includes the electro-mechanicalcoupler 144 and a plurality of specific RF front-end units 554-556.

In an example of operation, one or more of the specific protocol units550-552 of the core module are active to process inbound and outbounddata of a communication within the mid-frequency (e.g., data) frequencyband. For outbound data, the specific protocol module 550-552 includes abaseband transmitter section and an RF transmitter section. The basebandtransmitter section converts the outbound data into an outbound symbolstream in accordance with a specific wireless communication protocol.The RF transmitter section converts the outbound symbol stream into apre-PA (power amplifier) outbound RF signal, which is transmitted to oneor more of the MM RF units via the RF link.

One or more the MM RF units 36-42 receive the pre-PA outbound RF signal,which is processed by a corresponding one of the specific RF front-endmodules 554-556. In particular, the specific RF front-end module 554-556amplifies the pre-PA outbound RF signal, filters it, and outputs it fortransmission.

For inbound data, the specific RF front-end module 554-556 receives aninbound RF signal, amplifies it, and outputs it on to the RF link. An RFreceiver section of the corresponding specific protocol unit receivesthe amplified inbound RF signal and converts it into an inbound symbolstream. A baseband receiver section converts the inbound system streaminto inbound data in accordance with the specific wireless communicationprotocol.

In this embodiment, the mid-frequency band includes the frequencies ofvarious wireless communication protocols. For example and as shown inFIG. 16, one or more channels in the mid-frequency band may be forcellular communications (e.g., at 1.8-2.1 GHz), one or more channels forWLAN and/or Bluetooth (e.g., at 2.4 GHz), one or more channels for WLANat 5 GHz, etc.

FIG. 53 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a basebandspecific protocol unit 550-552 and a specific RF front-end 554-556 ofthe portable computing device of FIG. 52. The baseband specific protocolunit 550-552 includes a receiver section and a transmitter section. Thereceiver section includes a receive (RX) baseband (BB) processingmodule, an ADC, a down conversion module, and a receive bandpass filter(BPF). The transmitter section includes a transmit (TX) basebandprocessing module, a DAC, an up conversion module, and a pre-poweramplifier (PA). The corresponding specific RF front-end includestransmit bandpass filter, a power amplifier, an antenna interfacemodule, a low noise amplifier, and a RX driver.

In an example of operation, each of the specific protocol units 550-552is configured (e.g., fixed or dynamically) to support a specificwireless communication protocol (e.g., one or more of GSM, CDMA, WCDMA,HSUPA, HSDPA, WiMAX, EDGE, GPRS, IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, ZigBee,universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), long term evolution(LTE), IEEE 802.16, evolution data optimized (EV-DO), etc.). For anoutbound communication, the TX BB processing module receives outbounddata (e.g., voice, text, audio, video, graphics, etc.) from the deviceprocessing module or generates the outbound data. The TX BB processingmodule converts the outbound data into one or more outbound symbolstreams in accordance with the corresponding one or more wirelesscommunication standards.

The TX BB processing module provides the outbound symbol stream to theDAC, which converts the outbound symbol stream from the digital domainto the analog domain. The up conversion module, which may include adirect conversion topology transmitter or a super heterodyne topology,converts the outbound symbol stream into an up converted signal.

For a direction conversion, the up conversion module may have aCartesian-based topology, a phase polar-based topology, a frequencypolar-based topology, or a hybrid polar-Cartesian-based topology. Thepre-PA amplifies the up converted signal to produce a pre-PA outbound RFsignal, which is outputted on the RF link.

The TX BPF filters the pre-PA outbound RF signal to produce a filteredpre-PA outbound RF signal. The power amplifier amplifies the filteredpre-PA outbound RF signal to produce an outbound RF signal. The antennainterface module outputs the outbound RF signal for transmission via theantenna assembly (not shown). Note that the antenna interface module mayinclude one or more a transformer balun, a TX/RX isolation module (e.g.,a duplexer, a circulator, a splitter, etc.), an impedance matchingcircuit, an antenna tuning unit, and a transmission line.

For incoming communications, the antenna assembly receives one or moreinbound RF signals and provides it to the antenna interface module. TheLNA amplifies the inbound RF signal to produce an amplified inbound RFsignal. The driver drives the amplified inbound RF signal on the RFlink.

The RX BPF, if included, filters the amplified inbound RF signal toproduce a filtered inbound RF signal. The down conversion moduleconverts the inbound RF signal into an inbound symbol stream. The ADCconverts the inbound symbol stream from the analog domain to the digitaldomain. The RX baseband processing module converts the inbound symbolstream(s) into inbound data (e.g., voice, text, audio, video, graphics,etc.) in accordance with its specific wireless communicationstandard(s).

FIG. 54 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of a portablecomputing device that includes a core module 30 and a plurality ofmulti-mode RF units 36-42. The core module 30 includes theelectro-mechanical coupler 142, a plurality of specific protocol units550-552 (as described with reference to FIGS. 52 and 53), a plurality ofbaseband specific protocol modules 180-182 and generic RF link protocolmodules 184 (as described with reference to one or more of FIGS. 24-42).Each of the MM RF units 36-42 includes the electro-mechanical coupler144, a plurality of specific RF front-end units 554-556 (as describedwith reference to FIGS. 52 and 53), a plurality of generic/specificconversion modules 186-188 and RF specific protocol modules 190-192 (asdescribed with reference to one or more of FIGS. 24-42).

In this embodiment, the mid-frequency band (e.g., the data band) of theRF link supports the output frequency of some specific wirelesscommunication protocols (e.g., those that use transmit and/or receivefrequencies within 1.5 GHz to 7 GHz) and supports the generic RF linkfrequencies for other wireless communication protocols (e.g., those thatuse transmit and/or receive frequencies below 1.5 GHz and/or above 7GHz). Note the frequencies of the examples are arbitrary and may be muchgreater and/or much less than the 1.5 and 7 GHz referenced.

FIG. 54A is a logic diagram of an embodiment of a method of allocatingresources within a portable computing device of FIG. 54 that may beexecuted by the management module and/or one of the other processingmodules. The method begins at step 560 by determining the type ofcommunication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth, WLAN, cellular voice, cellulardata, 60 GHz, etc.). The method continues at step 562 by determiningwhether the transmit and receive frequencies of the communicationprotocol are frequencies within the frequency band of the RF link. Ifno, the method continues at step 566 by using a generic RF link protocol(e.g., using a baseband specific protocol module and generic RF linkprotocol module).

If the transmit and receive frequencies of the communication protocolare within the frequency band of the RF link, the method continues atstep 564 by determining whether the specific channels for thecommunication are already in use. If yes, the method continues at step566 by a utilizing the generic RF link protocol. If not, the methodcontinues at step 568 by using the communication specific protocol(e.g., using the specific protocol unit).

FIG. 55 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of powerdistribution within a portable computing device that includes the coremodule 30 and a plurality of multi-module RF units 36-42. The coremodule 30 includes a power management module 572, a wireless powerreceiver 570, a battery, a battery charger 576, a power supply module574, multiplexers, and the electro-mechanical coupler 142. Each of theMM RF units 36-42 includes the electro-mechanical coupler 144 and apower supply module 578.

In an example of operation, the power management module 572 determinesthe power configuration for the portable computing device depending onavailable power sources. For example, when the wireless power receiver570 is receiving a wireless power signal, the power management module572 sets up the power configuration accordingly. In particular, itenables, via a wireless power (WP) control signal, the wireless powerreceiver to convert the wireless power signal into one or more supplyvoltages (e.g., V1). With the wireless power present, the powermanagement module may enable the battery charger to charge the battery.

The management module 572 further enables, via a power supply (PS)control signal, the power supply module 574 to receive the wirelesspower supply voltage (V1) and to convert, in accordance with a PScontrol signal, the power supply voltage (V1) into one or more powersupply voltages (e.g., V_(DD) _(—) 1 through V_(DD) _(—) n). Note thatthe power supply module 574 includes one or more DC-DC converters, oneor more linear regulators, and/or one or more filter capacitors (e.g.,filter V1 to produce a power supply voltage V_(DD)).

The power management 572 module also generates a PS output controlsignal that selects the wireless power supply voltage (V1) or one of thepower supply voltages (V_(DD)) as the DC power source for the MM RFunits. In addition, the power management module generates MM RFU controlsignals to instruct one or more of the MM RF units on how to process theselected power supply voltage (V_(PS)).

Within an MM RF unit 36-42, the power supply module 578 receives theselected power supply voltage (VPS) and the MM RFU control signal. Fromthese inputs, the power supply module generates one or more power supplyvoltages (e.g., V_(DD) _(—) 1 through V_(DD) _(—) n) for the MM RF unit.Note that the power supply module includes one or more DC-DC converters,one or more linear regulators, and/or one or more filter capacitors(e.g., filter V_(PS) to produce a power supply voltage V_(DD)).

When the wireless power signal is not present, the power managementmodule 572 enables a battery mode in which the battery sources power tothe power supply module. Depending on the battery life and activefunctions of the portable computing device, the power management modulegenerates the PS control signal, the PS output control signal, and theMM RFU control signal(s).

FIG. 56 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powerdistribution within a portable computing device that includes the coremodule 30 and a plurality of multi-module RF units 36-42. The coremodule 30 includes a power management module 572, a wireless powerreceiver 570, a battery, a battery charger 576, a power supply module574, multiplexers, and the electro-mechanical coupler 142. Each of theMM RF 36-42 units includes the electro-mechanical coupler 144 and afilter capacitor.

In an example of operation, the power management module determines thepower configuration for the portable computing device depending onavailable power sources. For example, when the wireless power receiveris receiving a wireless power signal, the power management module setsup the power configuration accordingly. In particular, it enables, via awireless power (WP) control signal, the wireless power receiver toconvert the wireless power signal into one or more supply voltages(e.g., V1). With the wireless power present, the power management modulemay enable the battery charger to charge the battery.

The management module further enables, via a power supply (PS) controlsignal, the power supply module to receive the wireless power supplyvoltage (V1) and to convert, in accordance with a PS control signal, thepower supply voltage (V1) into one or more power supply voltages (e.g.,V_(DD) _(—) 1 through V_(DD) _(—) n). Note that the power supply moduleincludes one or more DC-DC converters, one or more linear regulators,and/or one or more filter capacitors (e.g., filter V1 to produce a powersupply voltage V_(DD)).

The power management module also generates a PS output control signalthat selects the wireless power supply voltage (V1) or one of the powersupply voltages (V_(DD)) as the power supply (V_(PS)) for the MM RFunits. Within an MM RF unit, the filter capacitor filters V_(PS) toproduce a power supply voltage V_(DD).

When the wireless power signal is not present, the power managementmodule enables a battery mode in which the battery sources power to thepower supply module. Depending on the battery life and active functionsof the portable computing device, the power management module generatesthe PS control signal, and the PS output control.

FIG. 57 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powerdistribution within a portable computing device that includes the coremodule 30 and a plurality of multi-module RF units 36-42. The coremodule 30 includes a power management module 572, a wireless powerreceiver 570, a battery, a battery charger 576, a power supply module574, multiplexers, a wireless power transmitter 580, and theelectro-mechanical coupler 142. Each of the MM RF units 36-42 includesthe electro-mechanical coupler 144 and a power supply module 578. Thecore module and the MM RF units function similarly to the correspondingcomponents of FIG. 55.

In the present embodiment, the wireless power transmitter 580, whenenable by a WP TX control signal, generates a TX wireless power signalfrom the wireless power supply voltage (V1) or from the battery voltage.The TX wireless power signal may be used to wireless power other devices(e.g., a wireless headset, a cell phone, a digital audio/video player,etc.).

FIG. 58 is a logic diagram of an embodiment of a method of managingpower within a portable computing device of FIG. 56 and/or FIG. 57 thatmay be executed by the power management module. The method begins atstep 590 by determining whether a wireless power signal is beingreceived. If not, the method continues at step 600 by entering a batterymode and determining power needs of the core module. For example, thepower management module determines how many functions the core module issupported and the corresponding power consumption of each of thefunctions. The method continues at step 602 by determining power needsfor each of the multimode RF units. For example, the power managementmodule determines how many functions each MM RF unit is supported andthe corresponding power consumption of each of the functions.

The method continues at step 604 by determining whether the power needsof the core module and the multimode RF units can be met. Such adetermination may be based on the available battery life, a desiredlength of operation, history of use of the portable computing device,etc. If the power needs cannot be met, the method continues at step 606by determining a power saving mode of operation and enabling it. Forexample, a power saving mode may include reducing a supply voltage,reducing clock rate, disabling one or more multimode RF units, restrictthe type of RF communications supported by the portable computingdevice, produced screen power, enter a sleep mode, etc.

If a power saving mode of operation is enabled at step 608 or the powerneeds can be met, the method continues at step 610 by generating a powersupply (PS) control signal and multimode RF unit control signals. Suchcontrol signals control generation of supply voltages, generation ofclock signals, enablement of circuit modules within each MM RF unit,etc. The method then continues at step 612 by monitoring the batterylife.

The method continues at step 614 by determining whether a wireless powersignal is now being received. If not, the method continues at step 616by determining whether the power needs of the core module and/or of themultimode RF units need to be changed based on degradation of thebattery life. If not, the method repeats as shown. If yes, the methodcontinues at step 618 by selecting a power saving mode of operation forthe core module and or for one or more of the multimode RF units. Havingdone that, the power needs of the core module and of the multimode RFunits are updated and the method repeats as shown.

When a wireless power signal is being received, the method continues atstep 592 by determining whether the battery needs charging. If yes, themethod continues at step 594 by enabling a battery charger to charge thebattery. The method then continues at step 596 by generating powersupply control signals and multimode RF unit control signals for thecore module and the multimode RF units. For example, with the presenceof a wireless power signal, the power management module will generatecontrol signals to operate the core module and the multimode RF unitsfor maximum, or near maximum, data throughput. The method continues atstep 598 by determining whether the wireless power signal is lost. Ifnot, the method loops as shown. If yes, the method switches to thebattery mode and continues as shown.

FIG. 59 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powerdistribution within a portable computing device that includes the coremodule 30 and a plurality of multi-module RF units 36-42. The coremodule 30 includes a power management module 572, a wireless powerreceiver 570, a battery, a battery charger 576, a power supply module574, and a multiplexer. Each of the MM RF units 36-42 includes a powermanagement module 572, a wireless power receiver 570, a battery, abattery charger 576, a power supply module 574, and a multiplexer.

In an example of operation, each of the power management modules 572determines the power configuration for its module (e.g., core module orone of the MM RF units) depending on available power sources. Forexample, when the wireless power receiver 570 is receiving a wirelesspower signal, the power management module sets up the powerconfiguration accordingly. In particular, it enables, via a wirelesspower (WP) control signal, the wireless power receiver to convert thewireless power signal into one or more supply voltages (e.g., V1). Withthe wireless power present, the power management module may enable thebattery charger to charge the battery.

The management module 572 further enables, via a power supply (PS)control signal, the power supply module to receive the wireless powersupply voltage (V1) and to convert, in accordance with a PS controlsignal, the power supply voltage (V1) into one or more power supplyvoltages (e.g., V_(DD) _(—) 1 through V_(DD) _(—) n). Note that thepower supply module 574 includes one or more DC-DC converters, one ormore linear regulators, and/or one or more filter capacitors (e.g.,filter V1 to produce a power supply voltage V_(DD)).

When the wireless power signal is not present, the power managementmodule 572 enables a battery mode in which the battery sources power tothe power supply module. Depending on the battery life and activefunctions of the corresponding module, the power management modulegenerates the PS control signal and the PS output control. Note that, inthis embodiment, the core module and each of the MM RF unitsindividually create and manage its own power supply generation, powerconsumption, and wireless power generation.

FIG. 60 is a logic diagram of an embodiment of another method ofmanaging power within a portable computing device of FIG. 59 that may beindependently, or dependently, executed by each of the power managementmodule. The method begins at step 620 by determining whether a wirelesspower signal is being received. If not, the method continues at step 630by entering a battery mode and determining power needs of the respectivemodule. For example, the power management module determines how manyfunctions the module is supported and the corresponding powerconsumption of each of the functions.

The method continues at step 632 by determining whether the power needsof the module can be met. Such a determination may be based on theavailable battery life, a desired length of operation, history of use ofthe portable computing device, etc. If the power needs cannot be met,the method continues at step 634 by determining a power saving mode ofoperation, enabling it at step 636, and communicating the power savingsmode to other modules at step 638. For example, a power saving mode mayinclude reducing a supply voltage, reducing clock rate, disabling one ormore multimode RF units, restrict the type of RF communicationssupported by the portable computing device, produced screen power, entera sleep mode, etc.

If the power needs can be met, the method continues at step 640 bydetermining whether another module is in power saving mode. If yes, themethod continues at step 642 by determining whether the other module'spower saving mode effects operation of the present module. If yes,adjust the mode of operation accordingly at step 644. For example, ifthe power saving mode of the core module has disable a particularcommunication type, a MM RF unit may disable its corresponding circuitmodules for the particular communication type.

If other modules are not in a power saving mode, if another is in apower saving mode but it does not effect operation, or if the mode ofoperation has been adjusted, the method continues at step 646 bygenerating control signals (e.g., WP control, PS control, charge, PSsource control). The method then continues at step 648 by monitoring thebattery life.

The method continues at step 650 by determining whether a wireless powersignal is now being received. If not, the method continues at step 652by determining whether the power needs of the core module and/or of themultimode RF units need to be changed based on degradation of thebattery life. If not, the method repeats as shown. If yes, the methodcontinues at step 654 by selecting a power saving mode of operation forthe core module and or for one or more of the multimode RF units. Havingdone that, the power needs of the core module and of the multimode RFunits are updated and the method repeats as shown.

When a wireless power signal is being received, the method continues atstep 622 by determining whether the battery needs charging. If yes, themethod continues at step 624 by enabling a battery charger to charge thebattery. The method then continues at step 626 by generating controlsignals for the respective module. The method continues at step 628 bydetermining whether the wireless power signal is lost. If not, themethod loops as shown. If yes, the method switches to the battery modeand continues as shown.

FIG. 61 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of powerdistribution within a portable computing device that includes a coremodule 30 and a plurality of multi-mode RF units 36-42. The core module30 includes a power management module 672, a battery charger 576, abattery, a DC-DC converter driver circuit 670, a transformer (XFMR),DC-DC rectifier and filter circuitry 674, and the electro-mechanicalcoupler 142. Each of the MM RF units 36-42 includes theelectro-mechanical coupler 144 and DC-DC rectifier and filter circuitry674.

In an example of battery mode operation, the battery provides a batteryvoltage (V_(BATT)) to the DC-DC converter driver circuit 670. Whenenabled by the power management module 672, the DC-DC converter drivercircuit 670 provides a primary voltage to the primary winding of thetransformer. The DC-DC converter drive circuitry includes a regulationcircuit, one or more switching transistors, and one or more transistordriver circuits to generate the primary voltage in accordance with afeedback voltage (e.g., one or more power supply voltages of the coremodule and/or of one or more of the MM RF units). Note that the DC-DCconverter driver circuit 670 has a switching frequency in the powerconversion frequency band as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B.

The secondary winding of the transformer produces a secondary voltagethat corresponds to the primary voltage times the turns-ratio of thetransformer. The DC-DC rectifier and filter circuitry 674 rectifies thesecondary voltage to produce a rectified voltage. The filtering portion(e.g., an output capacitor and an inductor) filters the rectifiedvoltage to produce one or more supply voltages (V_(DD)).

The secondary voltage is outputted to the MM RF units via theelectro-mechanical couplers and the RF link. The DC-DC rectifier andfilter circuitry 674 within an MM RF unit 36-42 generates one or moresupply voltages (V_(DD)) from the secondary voltage. It may also providefeedback of the supply voltage(s) to the DC-DC converter drivercircuitry 670 of the core module to be used as part of a feedbackregulation loop. Note that the power management module sets the supplyvoltages for the core module, the MM RF units, selects the switchingfrequency of the DC-DC converter driver circuitry, and which feedbacksupply voltages to use in the feedback regulation loop.

FIG. 62 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of powerdistribution and control data communication within a portable computingdevice that includes a core module 30 and a plurality of multi-mode RFunits 36-42. The core module 30 includes a battery charger 576, abattery, a control data module 680, a DC-DC converter drive & datamodulation circuit 682, a transformer (XFMR), DC-DC rectifier and filtercircuitry 684, and the electro-mechanical coupler 142. Each of themulti-mode RF units 36-42 includes the electro-mechanical coupler 144, ademodulator 686 and DC-DC rectifier and filter circuitry 684. Note thatthe core module may further include a power management module, awireless power receiver, and/or a wireless power transmitter.

In an example of operation, the control module 680 generates controldata regarding operation of the portable computing device (e.g., set upinformation, power saving information, resource allocation, etc.). TheDC-DC converter drive & data modulation circuit 682 converts a batteryvoltage (V_(BATT)) and control data into a data modulated primaryvoltage. The transformer converts the data modulated primary voltageinto a data modulated secondary voltage. The DC-DC rectifier and filtercircuitry 684 converts the data modulated secondary voltage into one ormore supply voltages for the core module.

Each active multi-module RF unit 36-42 receives the data modulatedsecondary voltage. The DC-DC rectifier and filter circuitry 684 of an MMRF unit converts the data modulated secondary voltage into one or morepower supply voltages for the MM RF unit. The demodulator 686demodulates the data modulated secondary voltage into the control data.

FIG. 63 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the DC-DCconverter drive & data modulation circuit of FIG. 62. The DC-DCconverter drive & data modulation circuit includes a power supplyregulation unit 690, a plurality of drive modules, a data modulationunit 692, a plurality of switching transistors, a pair of capacitors,and a multiplexer. The DC-DC converter drive & data modulation circuitis shown coupled to the transformer. Note that, while not shown, theDC-DC converter drive & data modulation circuit may further include aDC-DC power supply to generate the rail voltage (+V_(RAIL) and−V_(RAIL)) from the battery voltage. Alternatively, the rail voltage isthe battery voltage.

In an example of operation, the power supply regulation unit 690receives feedback of the power supply voltages generated for the coremodule and/or for one or more of the MM RF units. The power supplyregulation unit generates a representation of the feedback (e.g., adivided (e.g., resistive or capacitive) version of one supply voltage, adivided version of a composite of multiple supply voltages, etc.) andcompares it to a reference voltage. Based on the comparison, the powersupply regulation unit generates a regulation signal (e.g., pulse widthmodulated signal, frequency modulated signal, etc.). The power supplyregulation unit 690 then generates drive signals for a full bridgeconverter based on the regulation signal and provides the drive signalsto the driver modules. The drive modules drive their respectiveswitching transistors in accordance with their respective drive signals.

The data modulation unit 692 receives control data and the drive signals(or the regulation signal). Based on the control data and the drivesignals, the data modulation unit 690 generates a modulation controlsignal that it provides to the multiplexer. Based on the modulationcontrol signal, the multiplexer switches driving the primary winding ofthe transformer between full bridge operation (e.g., couples the commonnode of the switching transistors to the primary winding) and halfbridge operation (e.g., couples the common node of the capacitors to theprimary winding) as shown in FIG. 64. The data modulation unit 692generates the modulation control signal such that the switching betweenfull bridge and half bridge operation is done when the drive signals arelow (i.e., not enabling the drive modules).

FIG. 65 is a diagram of an example of encoding a primary winding voltagewith respect to a pulse width modulation control signal by the DC-DCconverter drive & data modulation circuit of FIGS. 62 and/or 63. Asdiscussed the power supply regulation unit generates a regulation signal(e.g., a pulse width modulation (PWM) control signal) and the datamodule unit switches between full bridge mode and half bridge module tomodulate data onto the primary winding. In this example, the powersupply switching frequency is greater than the data rate. As a specificexample, the power supply switching frequency may be 100 MHz and thedata rate may be 12.5 Mbps (Mega bits per second). Accordingly, toencode a “0”, the primary winding has two full cycles (e.g., 4 cycles ofthe PWM control signal) in the full bridge mode followed by two fullcycles in the half bridge mode.

FIG. 66 is a diagram of another example of encoding a primary windingvoltage with respect to a pulse width modulation control signal by theDC-DC converter drive & data modulation circuit of FIGS. 62 and/or 63.In this example, the power supply switching frequency is greater thanthe data rate. As a specific example, the power supply switchingfrequency may be 100 MHz and the data rate may be 12.5 Mbps.Accordingly, to encode a “1”, the primary winding has four full cycles(e.g., 8 cycles of the PWM control signal) in the full bridge mode an nocycles in the half bridge mode.

FIG. 67 is a diagram of another example of encoding a primary windingvoltage with respect to a pulse width modulation control signal by theDC-DC converter drive & data modulation circuit of FIGS. 62 and/or 63.In this example, the power supply switching frequency is greater thanthe data rate. As a specific example, the power supply switchingfrequency may be 100 MHz and the data rate may be 25 Mbps. Accordingly,to encode a “0”, the primary winding has one full cycle (e.g., 2 cyclesof the PWM control signal) in the full bridge mode followed by one fullcycle in the half bridge mode. To encode a “1”, the primary winding hastwo full cycles (e.g., 4 cycles of the PWM control signal) in the fullbridge mode and no cycles in the half bridge mode.

FIG. 68 is a schematic block diagram of another embodiment of the DC-DCconverter drive & data modulation circuit of FIG. 62. The DC-DCconverter drive & data modulation circuit includes a power supplyregulation unit 700, a plurality of drive modules, a data modulationunit 702, a plurality of switching transistors, a pair of capacitors,and a multiplexer. The DC-DC converter drive & data modulation circuitis shown coupled to the transformer. Note that, while not shown, theDC-DC converter drive & data modulation circuit may further includes aDC-DC power supply to generate the rail voltage (+V_(RAIL) and−V_(RAIL)) from the battery voltage. Alternatively, the rail voltage isthe battery voltage.

In an example of operation, the power supply regulation unit 700receives feedback of the power supply voltages generated for the coremodule and/or for one or more of the MM RF units. The power supplyregulation unit 700 generates a representation of the feedback (e.g., adivided (e.g., resistive or capacitive) version of one supply voltage, adivided version of a composite of multiple supply voltages, etc.) andcompares it to a reference voltage. Based on the comparison, the powersupply regulation unit generates a regulation signal (e.g., pulse widthmodulated signal, frequency modulated signal, etc.).

The data modulation unit 702 receives the regulation signal andmodulates it based on the control data to produce a modulated regulationsignal. The data modulation unit 702 then generates drive signals for afull bridge converter based on the modulated regulation signal andprovides the drive signals to the driver modules. The drive modulesdrive their respective switching transistors in accordance with theirrespective drive signals.

The data modulation unit 702 also generates, based on the control dataand the regulation signal, a modulation control signal that it providesto the multiplexer. Based on the modulation control signal, themultiplexer switches driving the primary winding of the transformerbetween full bridge operation (e.g., couples the common node of theswitching transistors to the primary winding) and half bridge operation(e.g., couples the common node of the capacitors to the primarywinding). The data modulation unit generates the modulation controlsignal such that the switching between full bridge and half bridgeoperation is done when the drive signals are low (i.e., not enabling thedrive modules).

FIG. 69 is a diagram of another example of encoding a primary windingvoltage with respect to a pulse width modulation control signal by theDC-DC converter drive & data modulation circuit of FIG. 62 and/or 68. Asdiscussed the power supply regulation unit generates a regulation signal(e.g., a pulse width modulation (PWM) control signal) and the datamodule unit modulates the drive signals and switches between full bridgemode and half bridge module to modulate data onto the primary winding.In this example, the power supply switching frequency equals the datarate. As a specific example, the power supply switching frequency may be100 MHz and the data rate is 100 Mbps (Mega bits per second).Accordingly, to encode a “1”, the primary winding has one complete fullbridge cycle during the active portion of one cycle of the PWM controlsignal and to encode a “0”, the primary winding has one complete halfbridge cycle during the active portion of one cycle of the PWM controlsignal.

FIG. 70 is a diagram of another example of encoding a primary windingvoltage with respect to a pulse width modulation control signal by theDC-DC converter drive & data modulation circuit of FIGS. 62 and/or 68.As discussed the power supply regulation unit generates a regulationsignal (e.g., a pulse width modulation (PWM) control signal) and thedata module unit modulates the drive signals and switches between fullbridge mode and half bridge module to modulate data onto the primarywinding. In this example, the power supply switching frequency is lessthan the data rate. As a specific example, the power supply switchingfrequency may be 100 MHz and the data rate is 200 Mbps (Mega bits persecond). Accordingly, to encode a “00”, the primary winding has twocomplete half bridge cycles during the active portion of one cycle ofthe PWM control signal; to encode a “01”, the primary winding has onecomplete half bridge cycle and one complete full bridge cycle during theactive portion of one cycle of the PWM control signal; to encode a “10”,the primary winding has one complete full bridge cycle and one completehalf bridge cycle during the active portion of one cycle of the PWMcontrol signal; and to encode a “11”, the primary winding has twocomplete full bridge cycles during the active portion of one cycle ofthe PWM control signal.

FIG. 71 is a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of the DC-DCrectifier and filter circuitry and demodulator of an MM RF unit of FIG.62. The DC-DC rectifier & filter circuitry includes rectifying diodes,an inductor, a capacitor, and a divider circuit. The demodulator iscoupled to the secondary winding via a pair of diodes.

In an example of operation, the rectifying diodes of the DC-DC rectifier& filter circuitry rectify the modulated secondary voltage as shown inFIG. 72. The inductor and a capacitor filter the rectified modulatedsecondary voltage to produce a supply voltage (V_(DD)). Note that thetoggling between full bridge and half bridge operation will cause aripple voltage in the supply voltage. The inductor and capacitor aresized to yield an acceptable level of ripple voltage.

The demodulator receives a rectified modulated secondary voltage via thediodes. The demodulator interprets the rectified modulated secondaryvoltage to recapture the control data.

FIG. 73 is a diagram of an example of decoding a rectified modulatedsecondary voltage that corresponds to the modulated primary voltage ofFIG. 65. In this example, the power supply switching frequency isgreater than the data rate. As a specific example, the power supplyswitching frequency may be 100 MHz and the data rate may be 12.5 Mbps(Mega bits per second). Accordingly, the secondary winding has two fullcycles (e.g., 4 cycles of the PWM control signal) in the full bridgemode followed by two full cycles in the half bridge mode, which isdecoded into a “0”.

FIG. 74 is a diagram of an example of decoding a rectified modulatedsecondary voltage that corresponds the modulated primary voltage of FIG.66. In this example, the power supply switching frequency is greaterthan the data rate. As a specific example, the power supply switchingfrequency may be 100 MHz and the data rate may be 12.5 Mbps (Mega bitsper second). Accordingly, the secondary winding has four full cycles(e.g., 8 cycles of the PWM control signal) in the full bridge mode andno cycles in the half bridge mode, which is decoded into a “1”.

FIG. 75 is a diagram of another example of decoding a rectifiedmodulated secondary voltage that corresponds the modulated primaryvoltage of FIG. 67. In this example, the power supply switchingfrequency is greater than the data rate. As a specific example, thepower supply switching frequency may be 100 MHz and the data rate may be25 Mbps (Mega bits per second). Accordingly, the secondary winding hasone full cycle (e.g., 2 cycles of the PWM control signal) in the fullbridge mode followed by one full cycle in the half bridge mode, which isdecoded into a “0”. Further, the secondary winding has two full cycles(e.g., 4 cycles of the PWM control signal) in the full bridge mode andno cycles in the half bridge mode, which is decoded into a “1”.

FIG. 76 is a diagram of another example of decoding a rectifiedmodulated secondary voltage that corresponds the modulated primaryvoltage of FIG. 69. In this example, the power supply switchingfrequency is equal to the data rate. As a specific example, the powersupply switching frequency may be 100 MHz and the data rate may be 100Mbps (Mega bits per second). Accordingly, the secondary winding has onefull cycle in the full bridge mode during an active portion of one cycleof the PWM control signal, which is decoded into a “1”. Further, thesecondary winding has one full cycle in the half bridge mode during anactive portion of one cycle of the PWM control signal, which is decodedinto a “0”.

FIG. 77 is a diagram of another example of decoding a rectifiedmodulated secondary voltage that corresponds the modulated primaryvoltage of FIG. 70. In this example, the power supply switchingfrequency is less than the data rate. As a specific example, the powersupply switching frequency may be 100 MHz and the data rate is 200 Mbps(Mega bits per second). Accordingly, the second winding has two completehalf bridge cycles during the active portion of one cycle of the PWMcontrol signal, which is decoded as a “00”; the second winding has onecomplete half bridge cycle and one complete full bridge cycle during theactive portion of one cycle of the PWM control signal, which is decodeda “01”; the second winding has one complete full bridge cycle and onecomplete half bridge cycle during the active portion of one cycle of thePWM control signal, which is decoded as a “10”; and the second windinghas two complete full bridge cycles during the active portion of onecycle of the PWM control signal, which is decoded as a “11”.

As may be used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately”provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding termand/or relativity between items. Such an industry-accepted toleranceranges from less than one percent to fifty percent and corresponds to,but is not limited to, component values, integrated circuit processvariations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermalnoise. Such relativity between items ranges from a difference of a fewpercent to magnitude differences. As may also be used herein, theterm(s) “operably coupled to”, “coupled to”, and/or “coupling” includesdirect coupling between items and/or indirect coupling between items viaan intervening item (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, acomponent, an element, a circuit, and/or a module) where, for indirectcoupling, the intervening item does not modify the information of asignal but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or powerlevel. As may further be used herein, inferred coupling (i.e., where oneelement is coupled to another element by inference) includes direct andindirect coupling between two items in the same manner as “coupled to”.As may even further be used herein, the term “operable to” or “operablycoupled to” indicates that an item includes one or more of powerconnections, input(s), output(s), etc., to perform, when activated, oneor more its corresponding functions and may further include inferredcoupling to one or more other items. As may still further be usedherein, the term “associated with”, includes direct and/or indirectcoupling of separate items and/or one item being embedded within anotheritem. As may be used herein, the term “compares favorably”, indicatesthat a comparison between two or more items, signals, etc., provides adesired relationship. For example, when the desired relationship is thatsignal 1 has a greater magnitude than signal 2, a favorable comparisonmay be achieved when the magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that ofsignal 2 or when the magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal1.

As may also be used herein, the terms “processing module”, “processingcircuit”, and/or “processing unit” may be a single processing device ora plurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be amicroprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor,microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array,programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals(analog and/or digital) based on hard coding of the circuitry and/oroperational instructions. The processing module, module, processingcircuit, and/or processing unit may be, or further include, memoryand/or an integrated memory element, which may be a single memorydevice, a plurality of memory devices, and/or embedded circuitry ofanother processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processingunit. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random accessmemory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamicmemory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that storesdigital information. Note that if the processing module, module,processing circuit, and/or processing unit includes more than oneprocessing device, the processing devices may be centrally located(e.g., directly coupled together via a wired and/or wireless busstructure) or may be distributedly located (e.g., cloud computing viaindirect coupling via a local area network and/or a wide area network).Further note that if the processing module, module, processing circuit,and/or processing unit implements one or more of its functions via astate machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logiccircuitry, the memory and/or memory element storing the correspondingoperational instructions may be embedded within, or external to, thecircuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digitalcircuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Still further note that, the memoryelement may store, and the processing module, module, processingcircuit, and/or processing unit executes, hard coded and/or operationalinstructions corresponding to at least some of the steps and/orfunctions illustrated in one or more of the Figures. Such a memorydevice or memory element can be included in an article of manufacture.

The present invention has been described above with the aid of methodsteps illustrating the performance of specified functions andrelationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functionalbuilding blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined hereinfor convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences canbe defined so long as the specified functions and relationships areappropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences arethus within the scope and spirit of the claimed invention. Further, theboundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarilydefined for convenience of description. Alternate boundaries could bedefined as long as the certain significant functions are appropriatelyperformed. Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have been arbitrarilydefined herein to illustrate certain significant functionality. To theextent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and sequence could havebeen defined otherwise and still perform the certain significantfunctionality. Such alternate definitions of both functional buildingblocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences are thus within the scopeand spirit of the claimed invention. One of average skill in the artwill also recognize that the functional building blocks, and otherillustrative blocks, modules and components herein, can be implementedas illustrated or by discrete components, application specificintegrated circuits, processors executing appropriate software and thelike or any combination thereof.

The present invention may have also been described, at least in part, interms of one or more embodiments. An embodiment of the present inventionis used herein to illustrate the present invention, an aspect thereof, afeature thereof, a concept thereof, and/or an example thereof. Aphysical embodiment of an apparatus, an article of manufacture, amachine, and/or of a process that embodies the present invention mayinclude one or more of the aspects, features, concepts, examples, etc.described with reference to one or more of the embodiments discussedherein. Further, from figure to figure, the embodiments may incorporatethe same or similarly named functions, steps, modules, etc. that may usethe same or different reference numbers and, as such, the functions,steps, modules, etc. may be the same or similar functions, steps,modules, etc. or different ones.

While the transistors in the above described figure(s) is/are shown asfield effect transistors (FETs), as one of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciate, the transistors may be implemented using any type oftransistor structure including, but not limited to, bipolar, metal oxidesemiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFET), N-well transistors,P-well transistors, enhancement mode, depletion mode, and zero voltagethreshold (VT) transistors.

Unless specifically stated to the contra, signals to, from, and/orbetween elements in a figure of any of the figures presented herein maybe analog or digital, continuous time or discrete time, and single-endedor differential. For instance, if a signal path is shown as asingle-ended path, it also represents a differential signal path.Similarly, if a signal path is shown as a differential path, it alsorepresents a single-ended signal path. While one or more particulararchitectures are described herein, other architectures can likewise beimplemented that use one or more data buses not expressly shown, directconnectivity between elements, and/or indirect coupling between otherelements as recognized by one of average skill in the art.

The term “module” is used in the description of the various embodimentsof the present invention. A module includes a processing module, afunctional block, hardware, and/or software stored on memory forperforming one or more functions as may be described herein. Note that,if the module is implemented via hardware, the hardware may operateindependently and/or in conjunction software and/or firmware. As usedherein, a module may contain one or more sub-modules, each of which maybe one or more modules.

While particular combinations of various functions and features of thepresent invention have been expressly described herein, othercombinations of these features and functions are likewise possible. Thepresent invention is not limited by the particular examples disclosedherein and expressly incorporates these other combinations.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable computing device comprises: a radiofrequency (RF) wired link; a data wired link; a core module operablycoupled to the RF wired link and to the data wired link; a plurality ofmulti-mode RF units operably coupled to the RF wired link, wherein thecore module communicates: control information with one or more of theplurality of multi-mode RF units in a first frequency band via the RFwired link; data of a wireless communication with one or more of theplurality of multi-mode RF units in a second frequency band via the RFwired link; and clock information to the plurality of multi-mode RFunits in a third frequency band via the RF wired link; and a pluralityof data modules operably coupled to the data wired link.
 2. The portablecomputing device of claim 1 further comprises: the core moduleoutputting one or more supply voltages to one or more of the multi modeRF units via the RF wired link in a DC or near DC frequency band.
 3. Theportable computing device of claim 1 further comprises at least one of:the core module modulating the control information using code divisionmultiple access (CDMA) to produce modulated control information andtransmitting the modulated control information to the one more of theplurality of multi-mode RF units in the first frequency band via the RFwired link; and the core module modulating the data of the wirelesscommunication using the CDMA to produce modulated data and transmittingthe modulated data to the one more of the plurality of multi-mode RFunits in the second frequency band via the RF wired link.
 4. Theportable computing device of claim 1 further comprises at least one of:the core module allocating a control channel in the first frequency bandto an active multi-mode RF unit of the plurality of multi-mode RF unitsfor full duplex communication of the control information; the coremodule allocating a data channel in the second frequency band to theactive multi-mode RF unit for full duplex communication of the data ofthe wireless communication; the core module allocating a transmitcontrol channel and a receive control channel in the first frequencyband to the active multi-mode RF unit; and the core module allocating atransmit data channel and a receive data channel in the second frequencyband to the active multi-mode RF unit.
 5. The portable computing deviceof claim 1 further comprises at least one of: the core module allocatinga control channel in the first frequency band to an active wirelesscommunication for full duplex communication of the control informationregarding the active wireless communication; the core module allocatinga data channel in the second frequency band to the active wirelesscommunication for full duplex communication of the data of the wirelesscommunication; the core module allocating a transmit control channel anda receive control channel in the first frequency band to the activewireless communication; and the core module allocating a transmit datachannel and a receive data channel in the second frequency band to theactive wireless communication.
 6. The portable computing device of claim1 further comprises at least one of: the core module controlling accessto the first frequency band in a time division manner; the core modulecontrolling access to the second frequency band in a time divisionmanner; the core module controlling access to the first frequency bandin a frequency division manner; and the core module controlling accessto the second frequency band in a frequency division manner.
 7. Theportable computing device of claim 1 further comprises: the core moduleallocating a first channel of the second frequency band for a first typeof data modulation and allocating a second channel of the secondfrequency band for a second type of data modulation.
 8. The portablecomputing device of claim 1 further comprises: the core moduleallocating a first channel of the second frequency band to correspond totransmit and receive frequencies of a first wireless communicationprotocol and allocating a second channel of the second frequency band tocorrespond to transmit and receive frequencies of a second wirelesscommunication protocol.
 9. A portable computing device comprises: aradio frequency (RF) wired link; a data wired link; a core modulecoupled to the RF wired link and to the data wired link; a plurality ofmulti-mode RF units coupled to the RF wired link, wherein the coremodule communicates: control information with one or more of theplurality of multi-mode RF units in a first frequency band via the RFwired link; data of a wireless communication with one or more of theplurality of multi-mode RF units in a second frequency band via the RFwired link; and clock information to the plurality of multi-mode RFunits in a third frequency band via the RF wired link; and a pluralityof data modules coupled to the data wired link; and a power managementmodule, wherein the power management module determines a powerconfiguration for the portable computing device based upon availablepower sources.
 10. The portable computing device of claim 9 furthercomprises: the core module outputting one or more supply voltages to oneor more of the multi mode RF units via the RF wired link in a DC or nearDC frequency band.
 11. The portable computing device of claim 9 furthercomprises at least one of: the core module modulating the controlinformation using code division multiple access (CDMA) to producemodulated control information and transmitting the modulated controlinformation to the one more of the plurality of multi-mode RF units inthe first frequency band via the RF wired link; and the core modulemodulating the data of the wireless communication using the CDMA toproduce modulated data and transmitting the modulated data to the onemore of the plurality of multi-mode RF units in the second frequencyband via the RF wired link.
 12. The portable computing device of claim 9further comprises at least one of: the core module allocating a controlchannel in the first frequency band to an active multi-mode RF unit ofthe plurality of multi-mode RF units for full duplex communication ofthe control information; the core module allocating a data channel inthe second frequency band to the active multi-mode RF unit for fullduplex communication of the data of the wireless communication; the coremodule allocating a transmit control channel and a receive controlchannel in the first frequency band to the active multi-mode RF unit;and the core module allocating a transmit data channel and a receivedata channel in the second frequency band to the active multi-mode RFunit.
 13. The portable computing device of claim 9 further comprises atleast one of: the core module allocating a control channel in the firstfrequency band to an active wireless communication for full duplexcommunication of the control information regarding the active wirelesscommunication; the core module allocating a data channel in the secondfrequency band to the active wireless communication for full duplexcommunication of the data of the wireless communication; the core moduleallocating a transmit control channel and a receive control channel inthe first frequency band to the active wireless communication; and thecore module allocating a transmit data channel and a receive datachannel in the second frequency band to the active wirelesscommunication.
 14. The portable computing device of claim 9 furthercomprises at least one of: the core module controlling access to thefirst frequency band in a time division manner; the core modulecontrolling access to the second frequency band in a time divisionmanner; the core module controlling access to the first frequency bandin a frequency division manner; and the core module controlling accessto the second frequency band in a frequency division manner.
 15. Theportable computing device of claim 9 further comprises: the core moduleallocating a first channel of the second frequency band for a first typeof data modulation and allocating a second channel of the secondfrequency band for a second type of data modulation.
 16. The portablecomputing device of claim 9 further comprises: the core moduleallocating a first channel of the second frequency band to correspond totransmit and receive frequencies of a first wireless communicationprotocol and allocating a second channel of the second frequency band tocorrespond to transmit and receive frequencies of a second wirelesscommunication protocol.
 17. A portable computing device comprises: aradio frequency (RF) wired link; a data wired link; a core modulecoupled to the RF wired link and to the data wired link; a plurality ofmulti-mode RF units coupled to the RF wired link, wherein the coremodule functions to support execution of an application bycommunicating: control information with one or more of the plurality ofmulti-mode RF units in a first frequency band via the RF wired linkregarding an interoperation of the core module with the one or more ofthe plurality of multi-mode RF units; data of a wireless communicationwith one or more of the plurality of multi-mode RF units in a secondfrequency band via the RF wired link; and clock information to theplurality of multi-mode RF units in a third frequency band via the RFwired link; and a plurality of data modules coupled to the data wiredlink; and a power management module, wherein the power management moduledetermines a power configuration for the portable computing device basedupon available power sources.
 18. The portable computing device of claim17 further comprises: the core module outputting one or more supplyvoltages at least one of the multi mode RF units via the RF wired linkin at least one of a DC frequency band and a near DC frequency band. 19.The portable computing device of claim 17, wherein the controlinformation includes at least one of: access allocation to RF wired linkinformation; an indication of a type of wireless communication;activation of one or more transceivers within a multi-mode RF unit ofthe plurality of multi-mode RF units; indication of a supported wirelesscommunications standard; data processing information; filter parametersettings for filters within the multi-mode RF unit of the plurality ofmulti-mode RF units; and power saving information.
 20. The portablecomputing device of claim 17 further comprises: the core moduleallocating a first channel of the second frequency band for a first typeof data modulation and allocating a second channel of the secondfrequency band for a second type of data modulation.